7 Reasons Not to Judge Women for How They Feed Their Babies ...

By Jessica

There are great reasons not to judge women for what food source they choose for their new babies, be it breastmilk or formula. We are wired to want what's absolutely best for our children and often times outsiders don't have any insight into the decision-making process. Even when close family and friends do have insight, judgment still can fly in the face of new moms, which is the last thing they want to hear. Keep reading for some great reasons not to judge women and to instead be happy that children are being fed and cared for!

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1

It's Personal

One of the top reasons not to judge women for how they feed their babies is that it's a personal choice. Whether it is breastmilk or formula, a mother didn't come to her choice lightly and probably weighed all the options before making her decision. It's best to show support in what she decides, knowing her baby is being well fed and loved!

2

Mothers Want What's Best

Ultimately, mothers want what's best for their children from the moment they find out they're expecting. Assuming anyone else knows what is best for her and her baby is simply undermining a mom's innate ability to protect and care for her child (unless there is a problem with maternal care, of course). A baby that is well fed, clothed, happy and loved is all that matters!

3

A Baby May Have Special Dietary Needs

Sometimes a new baby has dietary needs that outsiders are unaware of. A mother may not be producing enough breast milk and so she has to supplement with formula, or perhaps a baby is on the small side and needs extra calories. Formula alone may be the best option for many reasons as well. The point is, there are potential dietary needs of newborns that we should all consider before just assuming based on our own opinions!

4

Breastfeeding Can Be Challenging

Most of the criticism I've seen comes from breastfeeding proponents. From all angles, breastfeeding is better than formula feeding when it's possible. However, breastfeeding can be really challenging! Some babies don't latch correctly, leaving the mother even more exhausted and extremely sore. Some mothers struggle with low milk supply and try every method possible to increase it. A mom who's chosen to formula feed may have shed many tears over that choice, so she needs to be supported and loved despite differing opinions!

5

Both Food Sources Are Nutritionally Dense

While breast milk is natural and contains many immune-protective properties that set a child up for a healthy life, both breastmilk and formula are nutritionally dense. Formula has come a long way and still has a ways to go. However, the options available are pretty amazing, which is reassuring for a new mom!

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

Public Feeding is Necessary

I have often seen people who are disgusted or offended by a mother who breastfeeds in public. If a mom chooses to breastfeed exclusively, which is an amazing choice, then she will on occasion need to feed her baby in public. Most people who are offended by the sight of a breastfeeding mom don't realize that she is probably just as uncomfortable. Most women try to cover up, even though it's much more difficult to feed that way. And feeding in a stinky bathroom just isn't that appealing. So, we all need to recognize that babies need to eat when they are hungry and sometimes it's from a pre-made bottle and sometimes it's from a breast!

7

Consider a Mother's Vocation

What a mom does as a career is usually pretty crucial in how she chooses to feed her baby. A lot of working women are more at ease with formula feeding so they don't have to use a breast pump at work. Those things are a serious pain! And a mom who works from home or who exclusively works as a stay at home mom may have an easier time with breastfeeding (or not, it just depends). So, it's important to recognize a women's career and how feeding her baby plays into that!

It seems like there are strong, and often times intrusive, opinions these days on just about any topic! It's good to have opinions, but just as important to respect others' choices as well. What other reasons for not judging a new mommy can you add to this list?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I am all for breastfeeding and I think formula is okay as an addition for breastfeeding if baby needs extra nutrients. But it is good to remember that formula is not a natural substance as breast milk. Breast milk produces a special chemical that calms the babies and lets them sleep well. Formula doesn't have that, and formula is just chemicals. Factories that produce formula will tell you all kinds of stories on how good it is because they need money, and women who believe them go and pay for chemicals to feed their babies and make corporations richer. It's capitalism after all.

I don't like this article because it continues the misconception about breastfeeding. I don't believe any woman is less of a mother no matter how she feeds her baby. However, many women give up on breastfeeding because of some common myths. 1) Breastfeeding is hard or challenging: breastfeeding is only challenging in the first couple of weeks. After that it's pretty much always easier than making bottles. Boobs are ready and warmed no matter where you are! Breastfeeding mothers also tend to get more sleep for reasons such as ease of access and sleep hormones being passed through our milk. 2) Public feeding: if someone can't handle seeing a mammal feed her baby whenever necessary than they are the ones with the issue. God made women perfectly. He didn't screw up when it came to how we lactate. 3) Low milk supply: it is VERY rare for women to have a low milk supply. Some believe they do because the baby still acts hungry or "roots" around shortly after a feeding. This is very normal for newborns. They comfort nurse as well as they nurse often to up your milk supply. The only way to tell if you're not making enough milk is to check diapers. Your baby should have about 8-10wet diapers a day as a newborn. Pumping also doesn't determine if you're low on milk. A pump can't get milk out like your baby can. For instance, I can only pump about 2 oz a session, but my baby is 4 months old and 20 lbs from being exclusively breastfed. I'm not trying to say formula is evil or anything and I just care that a mom feeds her baby, but I like real breastfeeding info to be out there for women. I'd hate to see a woman upset over quitting breastfeeding if the reason she quit is because of untruths.

I am all for breastfeeding and I understand how essential and beneficial it is bc of all the nutrients. My personal experience I had difficultly breastfeeding bc my son wouldn't latch on properly and it was causing my nipples to be sore and cracked. I was inexperienced but I there are other options such as pumping. I don't think any women should feel ashamed or pressured into a certain way whether it's breast milk or formula.

My mom chose to breast and formula feed me as I was a preemie and needed all the calories I could get. Also not all babies have the option of living with mom and what about dads don't they get a say in what their babies eat.

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