Am I a bad mom?

Question

So I EBF my first for 15 months (he’s 17 months now) I’m 35 weeks pregnant and I don’t think I want to breastfeed again. I have depression and would really like to get help and put on meds for it, I’m tired all the time caring for a toddler. I can’t see myself being happy waking up every hour to feed and every three hours to pump. Does this make me a bad mom?.. I’ve been stressing over what decision to make for about a month now and I don’t want to be a bad mom, I want what’s best for my kids, and I know breastmilk is better but I don’t think I can do it this time around.

Answer

Fed is best. Also getting help with your depression is best for the whole family. At the end of the day no one can tell a breastfed baby from a formula fed one. Your sanity and happiness is just as important mama

Answer

Feeding your baby formula does not make you a bad mom! I will say that the hormones produced with breastfeed can really help with depression. If you are undecided, it may be worth try to just feed from the breast without pumping. My personal experience was that pumping was absolutely exhausting can pretty miserable, but breastfeeding was actually easier than having to sterilize bottles, mix and properly heat and messure formula, etc.. You may find a balance of using formula when you need someone else to feed but breastfeeding other times could meet all of your needs.
Ultimately though, what is important is that you and your baby are healthy. Feeding your baby is the goal, whether that comes from a bottle or a breast has no value judgement on your parenting. The fact that you care enough to ask and seek the best shows that you are a very good mom!

Answer

If you thinks that’s the best then formula feed. You are not a bad mom . Your sanity is important and you have to do what’s best for you to be able to be the best for your kids ! Don’t think your a bad mom just because you don’t breastfeed.

Answer

You can try it and see if you want to continue. You might change your mind after baby is born. I had post partum depression and was able to take breastfeeding safe medication to help. 
I also didn’t feel like I wanted to breastfeed my youngest son when I was pregnant (but I knew I would). I don’t know why I was feeling that way. But as soon as he was born we initiated breastfeeding and I made it to 22 months with him. 
So it’s really up to you to decide what you want to do but I would maybe keep an open mind about it.

Answer

It absolutely does NOT make you a bad mom! Not one bit! Your health is very important and if you’re not on your A game your babies can’t be. You need to have a good mental health to give your babies the best you can and if that means taking the stress of breastfeeding away then so be it. As long as your baby I being fed that’s what matters. Don’t ever feel like your a bad mom for needing to also think about yourself. Good luck momma and don’t be so hard on yourself.

Answer

Formula feeding does not make you a bad mom and the formula they have now is very good. My son was formula fed and my daughter will be as well, just do your research on the brands (we prefer goat milk based or they have close to breast milk based) but also be prepared for your child not to like it. I will tell you immune system wise it’s luck of the draw and whether you breast feed or formula feed, what your kid is born with is what they got. I’m not saying breast milk isn’t good for them, it’s just no longer the only good option. Your sanity matters. Personally I loved it, my husband could help with feedings, I got sleep and rest, my son got a chance to really bond during feeding times with us both. He’s now a year and by looking at him or interacting with him you would never know he was formula fed. He gets sick as much as any other kid, hits the milestones he’s supposed to, and grows like a weed.

Answer

Not at all. You could also give formula and breastfeed sometimes. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I believe there are a lot of safe medications you can take while breastfeeding. You being healthy and reasonably happy is more important.

Am I a bad mom?

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