As you become a mother you will have to make numerous and sometimes difficult choices regarding the wellbeing and education of your child. None, however, will be as difficult as the feeding choice you will make after the baby is born. You've not had a chance to recover from the delivery, and baby is still getting used to being out, yet it is feeding time and the midwives are asking whether it is breast or bottle for your little bundle.

When you research this you are likely to find horror stories in both camps. Depending on where you have the baby you will get pushed heavily in one direction or the other.
I live in England where the Health Service has been infiltrated by Breastfeeding Nazis. Don't get me wrong: I am all in favor of breastfeeding and it is great that a new mother can get help and support with this. After all for most women the beginnings are tough so support is indeed vital.

What I find unacceptable, though, is that mothers who choose not to breastfeed are put under an unfair amount of pressure at a time when they are very vulnerable. Maybe they made this choice for personal reasons, like for instance having gone through a traumatic breastfeeding experience with a previous child, or they may give up as it is proving too difficult. No-one needs to be feeling guilty on top of it all. It is a tough time for mums and with post-pregnancy hormones playing havoc in their body they need tender loving care, not stress.

Whatever feels right for you and your baby is the right choice. Breastfeeding is wonderful when it works but even though the female body is designed for it, it is not always an easy process. If you make yourself ill with stress because your baby is not thriving on the breast or your milk production is too low or you cannot breastfeed for medical reasons, then there is nothing wrong with bottle feeding formula. Your baby will get all the nutrients she needs, and both you and your partner can share the feeding experience. You will both get a wonderful chance to bond with the newest addition to your family with a sense of serenity.

After all a happy mum makes for a happy baby, so breast or bottle is not the only thing that matters. What counts is that you feel good about your choice and don't let anyone ruin those precious first weeks with well-intentioned but misplaced advice: it is your baby and your body. You are a mother, regardless of how you feed your child.

Learn more about this author, Sophie Coolbaugh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Choosing between breast feeding and formula?
We want to hear your view. Write now!