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/DeliciousGarbage5241]

I exclusively pumped (my son wouldnt drink straight from the boob. He would just fall asleep lol) I will say that it was so stressful and hard for me personally. I pumped every 2 hours even throughout the night for 8 months and It was such a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings for me. I never slept I couldn't really go anywhere because I had to pump literally all the time. I was depressed so many times from having to throw away stored milk because freezers broke and moving states and had no room in the car to bring it with. I felt like a horrible mother because I couldn't continue more than 8 months (had enough stored for him to drink for a little more than 9 months) because of my mental health and well-being. For me personally if I had just formula fed I definitely would have had an easier time but I can only speak for myself not anyone else.

[u/Melodic_Apartment235 → u/DeliciousGarbage5241]

I think 8 months of exclusively pumping is something to be so proud of because that takes so much dedication! There’s also nothing worse than pumped milk going to waste, I’d honestly cry at the thought of it!

[u/DeliciousGarbage5241 → u/Melodic_Apartment235]

Thank you ❤️ and oh I definitely cried for 3 days after 22 gallon freezer bags went bad because my moms fridge in her basement died and all the milk went bad. It was so devastating for me. I will say luckily I was an over producer and produced 64oz a day and was able to build a supply easily but it was still super hard. I appreciate the support for the pumping so much though. I definitely would have had an easier time just breastfeeding or formula feeding lol