As we recognize “World Breastfeeding Week” and “National Breastfeeding Month,” it’s a time dedicated to celebrating nursing, eliminating the stigma of breastfeeding in public, and raising awareness about its benefits. While this is all incredibly important, it’s also a time that can stir feelings of inadequacy for mothers like me who couldn’t breastfeed their children. Even a decade after facing challenges with my first child, and later with my second and third, I still grapple with a sense of failure. There’s no parenting struggle that has brought me as much sadness as this one, despite there being numerous other challenges along the way.
That’s why I truly appreciate the “I Support You” initiative. Launched recently by Clara James from Nurturing Moments, Bella Thompson from Formula Freedom, and Jamie-Lynne Grumet from Parenting Unplugged, this movement aims to create unity between breastfeeding and formula-feeding mothers. It emphasizes that, regardless of how we feed our children, we are all doing it out of love.
“We stand together, and we invite you to join us. You in the La Leche League meeting, you in the lactation consultant’s office perfecting your newborn’s latch. You nursing in a quiet corner of the Nordstrom dressing room or openly in the bleachers at your older son’s baseball game. You, who have shed countless tears over your feeding decisions, and you who made those choices without hesitation. I support you.
You, in your hospital gown requesting formula. You juggling a bottle while cradling your baby. You, who have researched the best formulas out there. You pumping, mixing, and combo-feeding. You, again, who have cried over your choices, and you who embraced your decision with courage. I support you.
You and your partner hoping to adopt a baby, sharing those first moments. You who have faced medical challenges and are bonding with your newborn. You prioritizing your mental or physical health so that you can nourish your baby in a way that’s best for both of you. You, the dad finger-feeding your little one. You, the mom carefully pouring formula into a G-Tube. You pumping in the NICU under the glow of machines that support your baby’s life. You with a foster child, helping them heal. We see you. You are part of this conversation too. We support you.”
Absolutely! Every mother deserves support, no matter her feeding choice.
If you’re seeking more information about home insemination, consider looking into resources like the American Pregnancy Association for insights on donor insemination. Additionally, check out this post on C-section recovery for helpful tips. For those interested in self-insemination, Make A Mom offers a comprehensive kit that may be perfect for your needs.
In summary, whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, it’s essential to support one another in our parenting journeys. Each feeding choice is valid and made with love, and we must foster a community that embraces all mothers, regardless of how they choose to nourish their children.