As we dive into “World Breastfeeding Week” and “National Breastfeeding Month,” it’s a time for celebrating nursing, breaking down the stigma around breastfeeding in public, and sharing the many benefits of breastfeeding. And while that’s all fantastic and significant, I can’t help but feel a little twinge in my heart. As a mom who couldn’t breastfeed any of my children, this month often brings back that familiar sinking sensation. It’s the feeling of inadequacy that just won’t fade, even nearly a decade after my struggles with feeding my first, and later, my second and third kids.
That’s why I’m all in for the “I Support You” movement. Launched recently by three inspiring women—Lara Johnson from Mama by the Bay, Sarah Brown from Fearless Formula Feeder, and Jamie Lee from I Am Not Just a Babysitter (famous for that iconic Time magazine cover)—this initiative aims to unite breastfeeding and formula-feeding moms. It’s all about recognizing that regardless of how we feed our little ones, what truly matters is that we do so with love.
“We stand united, and we invite you to join us. You, at the La Leche League meeting. You, in the lactation consultant’s office, perfecting that newborn latch. You, nursing quietly in a Nordstrom dressing room. You, openly breastfeeding at your older son’s baseball game. You, who have shed tears over your feeding decisions, and you, who made choices without fear.
I support you.
You, in your hospital gown, asking for formula. You, shaking a bottle while cradling your baby. You, who have researched the best formulas for delicate tummies. You, who pump and mix, and combo-feed. You, who have cried tears over your feeding choices, and you, who chose without fear.
I support you.
You, nurturing your adopted baby with love. You, who have faced medical challenges and are locking eyes with new life. You, who prioritized mental health, physical health, or your freedom to create a feeding plan that works for both you and your baby. You, the dad finger-feeding your infant, and you, the mom carefully pouring formula into a G-Tube. You, pumping at the NICU, surrounded by machines that are keeping your little one alive. You, caring for a foster child, helping them regain their health. We see you. You are part of this community too.
I support you.
A-freaking-men. We all need support, and we all deserve it.
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Summary
This article reflects on the feelings of inadequacy some mothers experience during World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month, especially those who face challenges with breastfeeding. It introduces the “I Support You” movement, which promotes solidarity among all feeding methods and emphasizes that love is what matters most in nurturing children.