In the realm of motherhood, expressing dissatisfaction can often lead to backlash from fellow moms. The tendency to shame women for their candid feelings is one of the unfortunate realities of navigating the internet as a parent. That’s why it’s commendable when someone shares their truth, especially when it comes to the difficult journey of motherhood.
Recently, a well-known Australian celebrity and mother took to Instagram to share her thoughts on breastfeeding, stating, “I wish I never breastfed my baby.” This sentiment resonates with many women who may feel the same way but hesitate to voice it.
In her post, Sarah Collins openly reflects on her experience breastfeeding her second child. “I wish I never breastfed my baby,” she begins. “It’s a bold statement, and many might disagree, but here’s my perspective…” She goes on to explain that just three weeks after stopping breastfeeding her four-month-old, she feels like a “completely different person.”
“I’m a better mom and a better partner,” Sarah reveals. “I have more energy, and I enjoy moments when my baby isn’t attached to me. I have more time for my older son and feel more affectionate toward my husband. I no longer dread outings in public, and I’m able to wear comfortable clothes again without fear of leaking. I can even leave the house by myself without anxiety and hit the gym again.”
Adjusting to a newborn is no easy feat. The pressure to relish every moment can add to the challenge. It’s important to understand that voicing your struggles with motherhood is perfectly acceptable, even if the internet can sometimes make you feel otherwise. In response to Sarah’s candid admission, some commenters felt compelled to share their opinions:
“I’m all for happy moms, but society seems to expect us to change our lives without complaint. It doesn’t really work that way,” one comment read. Another added, “It’s all about ‘me, me, me.’ I have four kids and breastfed three of them. I wish I had breastfed all of them. Leaking and exhaustion didn’t stop me from being a good mom.”
While breastfeeding is undoubtedly challenging, it’s vital to remember that each mother’s situation is unique. Science supports the benefits of breast milk, but that doesn’t mean every woman can or should breastfeed. Some mothers may struggle with anxiety or pain, and labeling them as “selfish” for choosing not to breastfeed is unreasonable. Putting your child’s needs first means ensuring they have a happy and healthy mother, however that might look.
Recognizing the potential backlash, Sarah wisely preempted negative comments in her post: “I know I will receive criticism for this, but it’s essential for moms to understand that they have choices. There are countless ways to be a mother, and we must remember that mom’s happiness matters too.”
Absolutely! Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and every woman has the right to decide what’s best for her and her family without justification. In this age of information, it’s unfortunate that even with the availability of nutritious formula, mothers often feel pressured to explain their choices.
While some women find breastfeeding easy, others face significant hurdles. From emotional trauma to lack of support and physical pain, there are myriad reasons for opting out of breastfeeding. The priority should be the well-being of both mother and child, which sometimes means finding the best path for each individual family.
For more insights on motherhood and personal experiences, check out this post from our blog. If you’re considering at-home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer excellent options for insemination kits. You might also find this resource from March of Dimes helpful as you navigate pregnancy and fertility treatments.
In summary, it’s perfectly okay to express that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone. The journey of motherhood is filled with choices, and prioritizing your happiness is critical to being the best parent you can be.