Why Not to Feel Guilty Because You Can't Breastfeed

From your first announcement of expecting a baby you can also expect to hear many questions. One of those questions usually deals with breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a hot topic in today's baby world. I can remember hearing all about eh pros and benefits of breastfeeding from by obstetrician. All of the "expecting" books insist that breastfeeding is the only way an infant can eat. Pediatricians alike will scorn mothers who do not attempt to breastfeed their babies.

I, like others, admit that breastfeeding is the best option for your newborn. However, I feel that in some cases it is pushed to the limit. I am lucky I was able to breastfeed my babies for a couple of months without any troubles.

However, things changed when I had to return to work. Not returning to work was never an option. I had to go back. I tried pumping and it worked quiet well. Yet before long my milk slowly deceased. I could not get enough from day to day for the babysitter to feed my baby solely breast milk. My pumping efforts soon diminished and I chose formula feeding.

The guilt of not breastfeeding my babies longer was there. However, I knew that I had given them at least two month of breast milk. Some can even do this. My sister had twins and a sever case of mastitis. Her doctors finally told her it was okay to stop breastfeeding. Her premature tiny babies were not thriving and she continuous was in pain and ran a fever.

It was not enough for her to deal with the emotions of having an early delivery or being sick. She also had to deal with the stress of not giving her babies the best.

As soon as your baby is born in the hospital a lactation nurse begins telling you how you should breastfeed for your baby to be healthy. I believe that new mothers and expecting mothers should be aware e of the benefits of breastfeeding. However it is their choice. Should we keep this continuous breastfeeding push up for those mothers who simply can't?

Before you become totally stressed with wanting to breastfeed and not being able to consider the tips below.

You are a good mother because you care. If you were not a good mother, it would not bother you that you cannot breastfeed. It is an old saying but it works, "its the thought that counts."

Many, many children have not been breastfed and they thrived and flourished and were very smart adults. Thirty years ago breastfeeding was not a push. Many mothers did not.

New technology and discoveries have allowed for formula to be made very similar to breast milk. In today's sophisticated world, you cannot get a better formula.

If pumping is the trouble, do what you can. Breastfeed when you are with your baby. If you have to work you have to work. You are working to provide for your baby and that is saying a lot about your good character.

Lose the guilt over not being able to breastfeed. You have a healthy, wonderful baby and you love it. All it will ever ask is that you try your best. Let's ebgin offering more support than judgment.