This is formula feeding: Trusting your instincts

Here’s a truth we don’t say enough: no one really knows what they’re doing when it comes to parenting. You can read all the books and listen to all the experts, but at the end of the day, parenting is really about making the best choice for your family with the information you have.

There’s a lot of research that supports breastfeeding as something that’s beneficial for both mom and baby. But it’s not always the right choice for mothers and children.

One mom understands that, and wrote an essay on formula feeding her little one that’s going viral. Kelsey Smith describes trusting her new mom instincts—and how that was the right choice for her family.

“We are coming to the end of our formula feeding journey and truthfully, I am going to miss these feedings more than I realized,” she writes.

“It started as every two hours, shaking bottles, mixing in the dark, and keeping water warm in a Yeti thermos on my nightstand. Feedings got more spread apart- but the me holding her close, feeding her as her eyes closed and she played with my hands or my hair never changed. These quiet moments were some of my favorites in the last 12 months.”

“Truthfully, in the last few weeks as she started rejecting the bottle- I found myself sad. My little girl was growing up.

I was told from day one that fed is best, but my decision to formula feed from day one was questioned by many. I was told breast milk was better, that I should “at least try”. People rattled off the benefits, talked about the bonding experience, and how expensive formula was.

Let me say this. If you’re a breast feeding or exclusively pumping momma, I salute you. You’re a warrior and you did what is best for YOU and your baby.

But the truth is, I did what was best for me and my baby too. Breastfeeding wasn’t in the cards for me. I didn’t try because I didn’t want to try. I never saw myself doing it and that was that. I didn’t miss a BEAT on the bonding experience, our formula was approved ten fold by her pediatrician, and Zach was able to be part of the feeding process since day one. She is RIGHT on track, smart as hell, and growing like a weed. This child has been in the 99th percentile since she has been born.

I trusted my instincts and I am proud of myself for that. The past year has been absolutely incredible and I am confident that my decision was the right one. I share today because I know there are some mommas on the fence and my honest advice is to listen to your gut. YOU know what’s best for your baby and you know what’s best for you.

Fed is best. Your mental state is important. Trust yourself and know, you’re doing the right thing.”