tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post7372935504290253833..comments2023-10-25T06:27:48.096-03:00Comments on Mother Am I: sometimes it hurtsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post-81120103281000443792009-03-23T15:20:00.000-03:002009-03-23T15:20:00.000-03:00I'm coming to the realization that nutritionally b...I'm coming to the realization that nutritionally best and generally best are two different things. I will never argue the nutritional benefits of breastmilk, or that that is the intended norm for people - how God created us. Unfortunately, things got messed up and this is one of the consequences. <BR/><BR/>I don't feel like a bad mom, or inadequate in any way, I just hate having to justify it to strangers. Sure, once they KNOW everything I went through they understand, but why should i have to go there anyway. Why can't people just see me feeding my baby and be glad he's fed and loved. <BR/><BR/>Not that I should really care what other people think, but I do. No mother wants other people thinking she's doing less than her absolute best for her kids.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15143997227472384240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post-87432463295107230392009-03-23T14:07:00.000-03:002009-03-23T14:07:00.000-03:00Steph you are an amazing mama and woman! Thank you...Steph you are an amazing mama and woman! Thank you for your transparency, not only on this post but all the time. Your transparency has encouraged me and helped me get through some rough patches~even though I may have never told you!! And I want you to know that as a mom that has tearfully tried to nurse 3 babies...it's HARD WORK and an increidbly emotional experience when it doesn't go the way we hope/dream it will. I'll be honest. My supply has never been adequtae to sustain the health/life of my babies. That is something that I've had to come to terms with. And I'll be honest with something else that might make other breastfeeding (and formula!) moms gasp in bewilderment: I really don't enjoy breastfeeding. Don't know why. Perhaps it's all the heartache I go through to do it..to give my babies the very best, who knows? It's beautiful in the early weeks for me, when babies don't need a lot of milk to grow. I remember crying tears of joy just seeing milk...MY MILK drip out of the corner of Elijah's mouth when he was nursing at just weeks old. Those are my fondest nursing memories...those precious early weeks. But then the inevitable (for me) sets in...lack of milk, lack of adequate growth...trying to care for other siblings. What you write resonates on a deep level with me. But at the end of the day I've had to come to terms with and realize that I cannot and never will live up to the "ideal" mom that seems to torment my every waking moments...the one that advocates breastfeeding (and actually enjoys it!), is a champion nurser (though she fought like heck to be that way in those early months...and had the patience that I just don't have in that dept.),and is the one that knows all the in's and out's of why breast is best and forumla is somehow less. I don't know. I just don't buy into that. I know we say breast is best but what of the babies that never had the breast? My mom couldn't breastfeed and I was a formula fed baby all the way. Does that make me any less than a nursed woman?? Am I somehow dumber, more sick...less?? Shoot, that sucks for me then! LOL. I didn't intend a book, but perhaps it's theraputic (like you suggested) to write this stuff out?!?! Anyways, I just meant to say that you're thoughts are amazing on this. You are a real hero and tried everything in your power to give your little ones what you felt/feel is best. And while I have never nursed for very long and have made the choice to give my babies formula, I don't think that makes me any less of a mom and certainly doesn't make you any less of one...though I know you already know this :P Still I fight every day against this mind struggle....especially around those who advocate/support and even frown upon forumla feeding. It's a process.<BR/><BR/>Love you, Steph and am proud of the mom you've become!Mommy Raderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05049602151179243043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post-64914050748005052732009-03-23T12:50:00.000-03:002009-03-23T12:50:00.000-03:00I'm sorry it's hard. I can't say I know what it's...I'm sorry it's hard. I can't say I know what it's like, but I feel for you just the same. You are doing the best for your babies. You are a great mom. And no ONE aspect of parenting alone determines if someone is a good parent or not. Not even breast feeding. You are a great mom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com