Breastfeeding your baby or giving it formula? Which is better? People say fed is best! Well of course it is. You want your baby to be fed and receive the best nutrients it can. Whether it is from breast milk or formula I see positives from both angles.
When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted to nurse my baby. I thought it is the one thing only I can do for my child once she gets here. I want to make sure I really stick to it. Once I got closer to having my daughter the more anxious I got with hoping she would latch. How would it feel? What if it was too painful? I read articles and asked friends what to expect and all the advice was great but it wasn't until I actually experienced it could I truly understand what everyone meant.
When I heard my little girl's first cry I was full of emotion. I was drugged up from having a c-section, shaking, cold and so overwhelmed. I told the hospital staff that I wanted to exclusively nurse and nothing else. When I was wheeled back into recovery my amazing nurse Alice was talking to me about nursing.
They brought my little girl to me and Alice told me we were going to try to get her to latch. I didn't know where to begin every article and advice I received did not prepare me for this moment. I told Alice to just "manhandle" me to show me how to get started. I was one of the lucky ones. My little girl took to nursing instantly.
I didn't realize how lucky I was until I joined a couple of Mom's Groups on Facebook. They help you with advice and tips on everything from being a Mom. There are women who tried and tried to nurse and couldn't. So they pump their milk. Some women do not produce enough milk to pump so they give formula. No matter what YOU are their Momma. You love your baby and give them the nurturing and love they need. It is a beautiful thing.
Fed is best! No matter what you can give your baby. Do not give up and do not let other mom's talk you down or persuade you one is better than the other. Whatever your body can do or what ever you can do at least your baby has a full belly and is happy to have you as their Momma. That is all that matters.
