"Why I don't breastfeed, if you must know"

beemaya83

While sipping on my orange juice, I came across this article earlier this morning (linked at the bottom of my discussion). It's a bit lengthy but I will summarize. The article is written by a woman who was constantly questioned about why she wasn't breastfeeding her baby. She constantly was hearing, "So, your not breastfeeding? It's better, you know?" In her article, she explains how she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30's and had gone through double mastectomy through reconstruction. She went through the whole radiation process and was told she had to wait 5 years to try to conceive. At 37, she became pregnant through IVF.

I must admit that when I read the title of the article, I myself was quick to pass judment, and asked myself, why isn't she breastfeeding? But as I read on, I became teary eyed, as my mom is a breastcancer survivor. Also, it made me think about the women on this board and the TTCAL board, who have struggled and are still struggling for their rainbow. The woman in the article did not give up and waited 5 long years for her baby boy.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/why-i-dont-breastfeed-if-you-must-know/2014/10/13/74c5fd3e-459a-11e4-9a15-137aa0153527_story.html<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

JuddandJessica

Ah the Mommy Wars. Though I never had challenges like breast cancer to defend my case, I only breastfed my son for two months. Is it healthier? Yep. However, breastfeeding is freaking HARD (I thought one of the most challenging aspects of new parenting) and my bond to my son without anxiety and stress over feeding him was more important. It's so important that each mom and dad feel free to make what they feel is the best choice for their family...and without guilt!

Mom2anAngel2

I agree with @JuddandJessica‌ that it is a personal decision. I think that moms/woman/parents put so much pressure on themselves to be the "perfect" parent. I truly believe that the perfect parent is the one that is there for their child, whatever that should mean. I cringe when I hear women say that they feel like a failure or cried because they were not able to BF. As long as LO is fed and happy, nothing else matters. I feel sad for her that she was asked that question over and over and had to defend her actions. We should all just be supportive of each other, and eachother's decisions.

Samuelismomma

I can't breast feed:( lack of sleep and anti seizure meds..neuro said no. I tried doing it with son in nicu for days getting a teaspoon at a time. Only to find out milk didn't come in from meds:( looking back I wish I wouldn't of been so hard on myself...i