"Why Formula feeding was best"

[queensheila]

I recently read an article in Babytalk magazine entitled "Why Formula Feeding Was Best For My Baby" about a woman who blogs about formula feeding, it was a short article in the back of the magazine, she claims there isn't enough support for formula feeding mothers. Why the heck would a formula feeding mother need support? Anyone can mix formula and give it to a baby, no one comes up to them in public and says, "That's disgusting, I can't believe you're doing that in public!" The title of the article itself is an error, formula isn't what's best for any baby, it's what's best for the mother. It bothers me that women who formula feed feel they have to justify their choice to formula feed when women who breast feed undergo far more judgement than they do.

[Nicole Grottodden]

I breastfed 4 babies and we were an active family, so I was breastfeeding at the park and in public on many occasions. I never felt judged or shamed because of it. I do wish I had relied on formula more (I never did) because it was very hard to keep up with the growing baby and all the other demands on my life. I pumped at work, and didn't produce much milk that way. It was really hard! However, formula feeding moms are criticized by doctors and younger generations of moms, so I understand the drive behind that article. I think there is a lot more to it than just what's best for the baby, but what's best for the whole family. Now that I've been through it - I can empathize with both sides of that decision!