HOT TAKE.
As first time mom, I wanted to breastfeed for many reasons. But I quickly realized we wouldn’t be sticking with it… and we switched to formula.
I don’t know if anyone else experienced this, but our kids pediatrician PUSHED for me to breastfeed even after telling them I wanted to switch. So I did stick with it for a while.
But between lack of sleep, and not being able to eat/hydrate properly it went downhill. She tried to convince me to change back to breastfeeding, but we’ve made the solid decision of sticking with formula.
They say breast is best, but honestly, as long as your baby is fed that’s all that matters! Keep up that great work mama, you’re doing awesome! 💙
Navigating the early days of motherhood with feeding your baby can be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey. Many new mothers start with the intention to breastfeed, drawn by the common advice that "breast is best" due to its nutritional benefits and bonding aspects. However, real-life circumstances often demand flexibility and self-compassion. It’s important to recognize the physical and emotional demands breastfeeding can place on a mom—lack of sleep, hunger, dehydration, and pressure from healthcare providers can make it difficult to sustain. In some cases, these challenges lead to switching to formula feeding, which is a perfectly valid and healthy option for infants. The key is that your baby is receiving the nourishment they need to grow and thrive. Pediatricians do encourage breastfeeding because of its well-documented benefits, but they should also respect a mother’s informed choice. The mantra "Fed is best" has emerged as a supportive reminder that the well-being of both baby and mom comes first, regardless of feeding method. For mothers who switch to formula, it’s common to feel guilt or judgment; however, plenty of families flourish with formula feeding. The focus should be on creating a nurturing feeding routine that works within your family’s unique needs. Formula feeding also allows for shared feeding responsibilities, which can be a huge support for the whole family. Remember, being a great mom is about more than just how you feed your baby. It’s about the love, care, and attention you provide every day. Whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that your baby is healthy, happy, and well cared for. Support groups and online communities with hashtags like #fedisbest, #formulafed, and #FTM (first-time mom) can offer encouragement, shared experiences, and practical advice to those navigating feeding decisions. Ultimately, every mom deserves to feel confident and supported in her feeding choice because at the heart of parenting is love and dedication, not perfection.
I’m of the opinion that breast is best source of all around nutrition, but not always the best way to feed your kids because of home situations if that makes sense. I have twins and am trying so hard to make breastfeeding work and it’s miserable. The amount of pumping I have to do to get my milk supply up enough for two is terrible, and I’m already not making enough again (bottles have to be topped off with milk I store at night from power pumping sessions which SUCKS to do when you’re tired). I try latching 2-3x a day to work on their feeding so I can drop pumping but it’s miserable. My daughter was so close to getting full feeds two weeks ago and then my whole house got sick and we’re starting over from scratch. My toddler has to wait for everything he needs, it sucks.