Let’s Chat About Breastfed and Formula Fed Babies

From all the articles that I’ve seen and read, they say that breastfeeding is best for your baby. But there seems to be a lot of controversy, from person to person on breastfeeding versus formula feeding. From those articles, they push that breastfeeding is best for your baby. And that formula is not good for your baby. But what is hardly mentioned, is that “Fed is Best.”  Regardless if it’s breastfeeding or formula. It’s what will also make you and your baby happy.

When I was pregnant with my first son, I was determined to breastfeed him once he was born. I was determined to do this for a year. When he was born, I began breastfeeding while we were in the hospital. I met with lactation consultants when they were available. I was taking in all their advice and input on ways to make breast feeding enjoyable. It definitely wasn’t easy but I kept trying. I kept thinking I was doing fine, that my son was getting enough breast milk. I went home and continued to breastfeed. There were days when I said “hey, I can do this!”. And there were days where I cried and said to myself “is this suppose to hurt”, “why is he eating every hour”, “why is he not latching correctly”, or “ouch! what a latch”. I told my family and support system how I was feeling. They said that I should do what makes me happy. That as long as my son was eating, it would be OK. But I continued to roll with those thoughts in my head for a while. I went on like this for about 5 weeks.

Finally, one day I decided that I was definitely going to switch to formula. I wasn’t happy. And I knew that my son would be happy too. Both of us would then be happy. After switching to formula, things seemed to get a bit better. And we were all happier.

When I became pregnant with my second son, we discussed if I would try breastfeeding again or start with formula. Part of me was thinking just go straight to formula, knowing that I may be a bit happier. But a huge part of me said, let’s take another go at breastfeeding. I kept going back and forth up until a week or so before I gave birth. Finally, I made the decision to try again.

After giving birth to baby boy number 2, I tried to breastfeed again. I spoke to the lactation consultants for the help that I felt I needed and tried their advice. I took in their suggestions. While in the hospital, I realized that even though I was trying to breastfeed, I didn’t feel like I was enjoying it. I told myself that I would keep trying because it would be best for my son to keep breast feeding. But then I remembered the words: Fed is Best.

Two days after being home, we had a follow up doctor’s appointment for our son. The pediatrician asked how feeding was going, and if I was breastfeeding. I said yes I was, but that I wasn’t really enjoying it. And that I was thinking of switching to formula. The pediatrician said that “fed is best” –  that however I wanted to feed my baby was my choice. I told her that I would like to switch to formula. She said okay and asked the nurse to get me some samples of formula.

Since that day, our son and I have been doing awesome. He’s healthy, growing, making all sorts of developments. I am happy. I am glad that I made that decision. It has made things in our house go smoothly and everyone is happy.

I want all the mama’s to know that however you choose to feed your child is your decision. Although there is a lot of controversy with this subject, please know that you have your own opinion on it. It’s your personal opinion and you don’t need others to tell you what to do.  Know that your child is getting the same nutrients whether it be by breastfeeding or formula feeding. Do whatever is best for you and your family. and will make you all happy.