Bottle VS Breast.... The Debate Continues

Before I became pregnant I knew very little about breastfeeding let alone about the huge debate surrounding it all. Since having two children of my own, I realize that breastfeeding is not only something that is largely debated but something that warrants discussion for every mother to be.

With my first I was very adamant that I was going to breastfeed. After reading all of the literature and talking to other mothers and mothers to be I decided that breast was best. I did my best to read as much as I could on the subject and do my part to prepare my body for its role not only as a mother but also as a sole food source. When my first child was finally born I was ecstatic and was happy to see that breastfeeding began without issue. A week or so later the pain set in, I checked my latch and consulted with breastfeeding experts, went to the doctor, nothing was wrong. He was latching well, there was no infection etc, so why did it feel like I was feeding my son razor blades from my breast. I waited a few more weeks until I was in so much pain I was dreading each feed. I decided it was time to choose another method of feeding because I just couldn't stand the pain anymore. And although everyone told me to hold out for a few more weeks, it was too much for me, I just couldn't do it. I felt like a failure and despite the support and encouragement I received from those around me I just could not shake the feeling that I was letting my child down. But I made the choice to discontinue breastfeeding because I felt it was the right thing to do at the time for my family.

Do I believe that breast is best? Yes, absolutely. But I also believe that breastfeeding is a choice and one that women should be allowed to make for themselves and their baby without critical review from others. As a mother of two I understand the dynamics of parenting and the need to feel like you are doing your best. Breastfeeding is important and can benefit you and your baby in many ways. However, choosing not to breastfeed or being unable to breastfeed does not mean that you are any less of a parent or that you do not love your baby enough etc. Failing to breastfeed or not breastfeeding as long as you thought you might is not a reflection on your parenting skills. We live a lifetime as parents, this is just one of the many difficult choices you will have to make during your child rearing years.

In the first year your biggest issues will be feeding, sleeping and nurturing strategies. But regardless of the choices you make in first few years of life, you are a parent for life. Right now and in the first few years breastfeeding will be a hot topic among new mothers and mothers to be. But later on, in the preschool years, there will be a new debate. And then in the middle school years yet another and then when we all have teenagers, god help us all, who breastfed and who didn't will be the last thing on our minds.

2005 M.Wright.