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Why Breast-Feeding Makes One Mom Squeamish
Filed under: Breast-Feeding, Opinions
Not every mom loves breast-feeding. Credit: Getty Images
Exclusively. Not a single drop of formula ever touched her lips; she was weaned to cow's milk after her first birthday. But -- and this isn't something you'll hear many moms who chose to nurse say -- I never really wanted to.
And now that I'm pregnant with No. 2, even though I have a solid year of breast-feeding under my belt (or, more accurately, my bra), I'm having the same doubts about nursing I did the first time around.
When I was pregnant with E, the thought of breast-feeding grossed me out. I knew it was better for the baby, that it would help with the bonding process, that there were significant health benefits for me.
I'm a very private person, however -- I don't like to be naked even when I'm alone. I'm uncomfortable with bodily fluids, messes, things that leak and public exposure. No matter how many times I tried to envision peaceful moments with a new baby cradled in my arms and nourishing her with my breasts, all I could picture was a dairy cow. Moo.
Pregnancy was enough of a physical sacrifice. I just wanted to be myself again, not a baby incubator or a milk-making machine. Still, I did the research and committed to six weeks -- the minimum amount of time, my doctor assured me, necessary for important antibodies to get transferred from me to the baby.
Read the rest of the story, by Jenny Feldon, at Parenting.com.
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ReaderComments (Page 2 of 2)
10-26-2010 @ 6:21PM
Heidi said...Wow Willow! Anger issues much? I would never dream of calling another Mom names for her parenting choices. Not even you. You should look into some sort of therapy - it could be beneficial
Reply
10-27-2010 @ 1:00PM
Rowena said...You are an idiot. Formula is poison. When you get pregnant, you commit to breastfeeding. Not breastfeeding is child abuse. Formula should not be OTC; it should be available ONLY by prescription to mothers who cannot breastfeed. Breastfeeding isn't a choice, you moron.
Reply
10-28-2010 @ 6:51AM
Samantha Juarez said...Those of you who are name calling and being judgemental on either side of the spectrum have no leg to stand on! The ones calling someone a "milk cow" for wanting to breast feed or saying there's "bonding issues" for those who don't want to, are some miserable and lost individuals.
IT IS A BONDING BETWEEN MOTHER AND BABY whether the ignorant ones choose 2 recognize that or not. There are other bonding methods, but you can't dismiss this 1 because it has been SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN! My mother nursed me longer than my sisters and I have a closer bond with my mother than my sisters. If and when I have my own children, as my own personal CHOICE, I WILL breastfeed them if I am capable.
I do understand that some women have difficulty with their milk producing, which is sad for those who would like to do so. However, if capable, it is still their CHOICE. Each person's story is different and NOBODY should be judged, mocked, or ridiculed for that. They will die their own death, so just let them live their own life! GROW UP, PEOPLE!
Reply
10-28-2010 @ 7:12AM
Samantha Juarez said...Choosing not 2 breastfeed isn't necessairly "child abuse" because there are worse things a child can go thru, however, it IS proven that mother's milk is healthier for the baby in the long run. Formula IS an alternative if not capable 2 produce milk or not able 2 breastfeed, but not the best for a Baby.
Reply
1-14-2011 @ 6:36PM
Jeannette said...Making and feeding a baby is a job, and you are supposed to feel more like a "moo" than your younger self. Your younger self was based on a nubile body, your nursing self is based on a mothering body.
And the hormones guide your body AND your mind, hopefully.
Don't be ashamed to grow into the most natural job in the world-raising a baby! If you are ashamed and can't cope, seek professional help.
But realize that nursing is best for baby, and nothing is better than proudly bettering the human race by good mothering.I am proud of you.
Reply
1-14-2011 @ 6:42PM
MeME said...Breast feeding IS for everyone-unless you are too old or worn out or sick from some disease, or mentally unable to function like a normal human mammal should. OR if you adopt. But if sick, get help.
No, your kids won't die if they are bottle fed.
But you won't know until years later if their health was damaged by it.
Why take that chance? Why not seek help? You are worth it, and so are your kids. I know that change can be difficult, but growing and changing can bring great joy to you and those around you.
Reply