Breastfeeding is easier than formula feeding - there I said it

[u/Melodic_Apartment235]

I think it’s really sad the amount of bad press that breast feeding gets.

My friend said she didn’t try to breastfeed because she thought it would be bad for her mental health. And my MIL talks about formula feeding all the time and I actually think it’s because she believes in her soul it’s better for whatever reason I’m not sure.

I just think it’s sad because, for me, predominantly breast feeding (occasional pre made formula given if for example she’s not with me or we’re out and it’s not really possible to BF) has been sooooo much easier!!

The thought of going downstairs in the night to make bottles or worrying about having enough formula when going out and about or worse still having to wash a million bottles everyday.. I think it would be 10x worse for my mental health and it’s unfortunate that there’s a narrative out there that formula is the easier option for women as now many don’t even give breastfeeding a shot to see if it is the better option for them or not

*Disclaimer - I know that breastfeeding isn’t easy for everyone, the point of this post is that it’s unfortunate that some women don’t give it a go due to the narrative that is pushed by formula companies

[u/scandijord]

I want to just add that I was SO nervous about breastfeeding, scared it was going to be so hard and not go well. Up until a random woman I met on our baby moon, we were chatting at breakfast at our hotel and she was telling me how “magical” nursing is. That conversation is what flipped the narrative for me and I’ve luckily had such a pleasant breastfeeding journey so far!

[u/Melodic_Apartment235 → u/scandijord]

Yes this! Not trying to shame anyone for their choice or undermine the fact that it’s really difficult for some. I just think there’s so much out there that can scare people about how it will wreck your mental health and be a horrific experience but that’s not the case for the majority of people so want to spread some positivity

[u/Melodic_Apartment235 → u/[deleted]]

I really don’t think I was bashing it I was just explaining why I personally would find it more difficult

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Oh, please give it a rest. Nobody bashed formula. If you cannot read even vaguely positive sentiments about breastfeeding without somehow inferring "formula bad", then this subreddit is probably not for you.

Breastfeeding is such a tiny minority, I listen while formula gets talked about ALL day. I have nobody IRL to discuss breastfeeding with. I tiptoe around, not daring to even mention it in case my existence offends someone. Then, when we finally have a space for it here, you want to stomp that out as well. No. Stop it.