Formula feeding moms feeling pressure?

Question

Over the last few weeks I have had several people ask me if I plan to breastfeed, when I reply with no, I immediately feel a sense of judgement or I get the "speech" of how great breastfeeding is. I agree that breastfeeding is a beautiful thing and I give all props to mothers who do so. However, I have made the decision that I feel is best for me, my baby and my family and that is to formula feed.

I just find myself lately getting annoyed or frustrated by the many moms out there that feel the need to "persuade" me to breastfeed. I could care less how people choose to feed their child as it is their decision entirely. And I would never try to talk them into anything different. So I have yet to figure out why breastfeeding mothers feel the need to try and tell me what's best for me and my baby. I guess what ultimately set my off was my own sister in law sending me links to breastfeeding stuff on Pinterest with a message stating how she would hate to see her little niece or nephew miss out if I don't even give it a try, because she loved it so much. I love tomatoes, but that doesn't mean my husband does. What is right for one, is not right for all.

Has anyone else who is planning to formula feed had this issue and if so, what were your responses when asked if you plan to breastfeed or how do you handle the situation? I know the easy route to get people off my back would be to just say I'm not sure if I'm going to yet or not, but I feel I shouldn't have to lie to avoid judgement.

And I please ask that nobody reply to this with reasons why breastfeeding is so much better than formula. Positive replies only! :)

Answer

Breastfeeding mums get shamed all the time aswell, you can't win!

Answer

I don't produce milk so I feed my babies the best way I can! I also can't push a baby out of my vagina so I had cesareans. Doesn't make me any less a mom!

Answer

Breastfeeding is great, as long as it works for YOU. I breastfed mine a little over a year because that's what we wanted and were comfortable doing. However, there's plenty of moms who can't or don't want to for various reasons. As long as you are feeding  your baby you are doing it right.

Answer

Im also formula feeding and never wanted to breast feed before finding out im medically can not breast feed making my choice that much easier. So when people know i formula feed always talk about wat am advantage it is to breast feeding and i give props to all the moms out there that breast feed but honestly like u mentioned wats right for one is not right for all. When i hear rude comments i just let them roll off as i know breast feeding also gets negative opinion so there are pros and cons to both and honestly i roll my eyes and whip a bottle out and continue with my busyness as its ur baby and ur parenting!

Answer

People will always say stupid crap! I remember people asking me "are you getting an epidural" and that would annoy me! Like why do you care people? Yes I got the epidural and was proud of it!!! Same with breastfeeding. I do both formula and Bf and I can certainly say BF is extremely difficult at first and not for everyone. It's a major time commitment too and to be honest not everyone has time or the ability to sit home Al day and BF!! I pretty much haven't left the house for 6 weeks due to BF. Not for everyone! I would just tell people kindly you don't want to talk about it once they start bringing it up.

Answer

I plan on formula feeding. I have with my other 3 kids as well. My daughter, I did try and breastfeed, but breastfeeding isn't right for me. I wasn't comfortable and I just didn't like doing it. Like you, I applaud all the ones that do, but it isn't for me. I've had comments before about it, but I've never had anyone really push it on me. I'd just let them know, it's your baby, your body and you're going to do what's comfortable for you. Good luck to you!

Answer

Just say what you are saying here. I don't think there's a magical response that will make them understand why you are formula feeding. I wouldn't allow it to become a discussion. Perhaps just say 'I choose not to for my own reasons and that's my choice and that's that.. Moving on.. How bout those Mets'

Answer

With my first I had planned on formula feeding the doctors and hospital made me feel bad about my decision so I tried to breast feed and ended up not producing enough milk so I ended up for up feeding anyway and then I felt bad on top of it like I wasn't a good mother because of what they had said to me...with the baby I am having in June I will be formula feeding as I feel that is what is right for my family and nobody can sway me this time

Answer

I am pregnant with baby #3 now .With my 2 kids I fed them formula because I didn't produce enough milk , I have tried but it didn't work for me . My friends also have pressured me to breast feed and send me all kinds of articles .I simply made my decision and also with this baby I will not breast feed . Breast feeding is great but it doesn't work for everybody .My kids are healthy and I didn't regret my decision ever .Good luck

Answer

I get judged all the time for not wanting to breastfeed. I plan to formula feed due to needing anxiety medication. My sister flat out told me that maybe if I breastfed I would bond with my baby and stop being so crazy -_- I get told often km not doing what's best for baby and I'm being selfish for not even trying! I used to handle the comments respectfully but at almost 32 weeks pregnant my patience is really being tested with the judgement!

Formula feeding moms feeling pressure?

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