As we observe “World Breastfeeding Week” and “National Breastfeeding Month,” it’s a moment to honor the act of nursing, eliminate the stigma surrounding public breastfeeding, and enlighten others about the advantages of breastfeeding. These initiatives are undeniably important. However, for mothers like myself who couldn’t breastfeed their children, this month often evokes a sense of loss and disappointment. Nearly a decade after my struggles with feeding my first child, I still grapple with feelings of inadequacy on this topic—despite facing numerous parenting challenges since then.
That’s why I find the “I Stand With You” movement so inspiring. Recently launched by Laura Jennings from Modern Mama, Ethan Brooks from Empowering Formula Feeders, and Mia Carter from Real Parenting Perspectives, this campaign aims to unite breastfeeding and formula-feeding mothers. It promotes the idea that whether we nurse or use formula, our primary goal is to nourish our children with love.
We Stand Together
“We stand together, and we invite you to join us. You, attending the breastfeeding support group. You, in the lactation consultant’s office, working on the perfect latch. You, quietly nursing in a boutique dressing room. You, proudly nursing at your child’s sporting event. You, who have shed tears over your feeding decisions, and you, who choose without hesitation. I support you.
You, in the hospital, requesting formula. You, shaking a bottle while cradling your little one. You, who have researched the best formulas for your baby’s tummy. You, who pump and mix and navigate combo feeding. You, with your partner, feeding your adopted baby. You, who faced health challenges yet still find ways to bond with your newborn. You, the father using a finger-feeding method. You, the mother lovingly administering formula through a G-Tube. You, in the NICU, pumping under the glow of machines keeping your baby stable. You, nurturing a foster child back to health. We see you. You are part of this conversation too.
We support you.”
Amen to that! We all need a strong support system—every single one of us. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination options, check out this helpful blog post. For those considering at-home insemination, a reliable source for kits is Make A Mom. Furthermore, the CDC provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In Summary
Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, the important thing is that you are feeding your child with love. There’s no one right way to nourish a baby, and we should all support each other’s choices.
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