Moms often find themselves in a whirlwind of worry, questioning if they’re making the right choices for their little ones. The age-old debate of breastfeeding versus bottle feeding can feel like a minefield, especially with so many opinions flying around. While breastfeeding works wonders for some, not every mom can or chooses to go that route. Enter Claire, a mom from Australia who runs the blog Life with Claire. Recently, she posted a candid selfie on Instagram of her feeding her 13-month-old daughter, Mia, with a bottle, and it was her way of giving a big “F Off” to mom guilt.
“Every day, I grapple with guilt over not breastfeeding Mia anymore,” she confessed. “Because let’s be real—mum guilt is a massive pain in the neck!” Claire shared her relatable reasons for stopping breastfeeding at four months, including the strain it put on her two-year-old son, Jack, and the latching difficulties and tummy troubles Mia faced. Adding to the mix, Claire was also dealing with her own postpartum anxiety. Even months later, she still finds herself second-guessing her choice. “I know I didn’t give up too easily, but I can’t help but be hard on myself,” she said.
But here’s the kicker: Claire emphasizes that “FED is best.” She noted that Mia was much happier and more satisfied with the bottle. “The method of feeding doesn’t matter as long as our babies are safe, nourished, and content.”
Claire also took a moment to remind other parents that support is crucial, no matter the feeding choice. “There’s too much judgment out there about how moms decide to care for their kids,” she remarked. “As long as it’s safe, why should we criticize each other for our choices?” And when it comes to that nagging self-judgment? Claire has straightforward advice: “Just tell mum guilt to F OFF!”
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In summary, Claire’s empowering message is clear: every parent’s journey is unique, and what truly matters is that our children are fed and happy.