Nursing Nazi
Posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 8:04 pmDear Nursing Nazi,
I was made aware of a conversation you had with a mutual friend, wherein you alluded to the fact that I just quit nursing for no good reason. Let me tell you something. I didn’t just quit. And quitting has not been easy for me. I realize that breast milk is best for most babies. I have done absolutely everything I could think of so that my baby would not be formula fed. I have decided that after four long months of torture, I’m done. I didn’t give up without a fight. Don’t you dare judge me for the way I need to feed my baby now. He has had everything he needed from me in the last 4 months. Now it’s time for me to regain my sanity. How can I be a good mother if I can’t take care of my baby’s most basic need? Nursing wasn’t allowing me to do that. Pumping wasn’t even allowing me to do that. I changed my diet. I lost sleep. I read books. I watched videos. I sought out professional help. When all of that didn’t work, I started pumping. Still, the torture persisted. I am happy to announce that I quit! I’m done. And guess what, I’m excited about quitting! I’m excited to have my life back! Call me what you want, but don’t you dare say I didn’t do everything in my power to make it work. Don’t you dare call me a bad mother because you feel like I gave up too easily on my child. Be grateful that you’re lucky enough to have the right body and the right children to make it work for you. I don’t. And I’m finally okay with that.
Yours truly,
Kiersten the formula feeder
P.S. I have discovered since I started my baby on formula, that he is intolerant of my breast milk. My formula fed baby is a happy baby. And I’m a happier mother.
I am proud of you. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
Kiersten, I am so happy to hear that you have a happy baby now, and that you are a happier mother! Hooray! I admire your perserverance, I can’t imagine what you went through the past four months. Congratulations on finally finding something that WORKS!
Now go take a nap — you need it!
WOW.
Seriously, why does nursing have to be a controversial topic. I swear, among women it is along the lines of discussing abortion. We had a nursing Nazi (as everyone called her) in Kodiak.
So so sad that she felt the need to push her views on you and make you feel less than a FANTASTIC mother. I’ve been following your and Ashton’s story and all I can say is that you have my admiration 100%.
Amen, sistah! If I could figure out a way not to produce any milk next kid-around and actually enjoy my newborn…
Mothering is so deeply personal and you are doing wonderfully. Decisions like these are tough and I’m so proud of you for going forth with what you know is best!
Really, who would say such a thing? That’s just plain nosy, not to mention annoying! No one and I mean no one has the right to tell you what’s best for your child and especially for you! Even if you hadn’t tried everything (which I know you have!) it still wouldn’t be anyone’s business! Stupid people! I’m glad you’re doing what’s best for you in your situation and that it’s working well for you and Ashton.
Good For YOU!!!! Don’t every feel that you are less of a person or mother becuase you are giving your child formula. You are a WONDERFUL mother, and that’s all you need to know.
Some people! I don’t understand why someone would say something like that. There is nothing wrong with giving your baby formula. You know what is best for both of you!
Stupid Nursing Nazi!! I am all about breastfeeding, but I am more about being a good mom and keeping your baby happy. If formula makes Ashton happy, then who cares about breast feeding, formula all the way. 4 months of breast feeding is really good. Don’t worry about what anyone says, you do what you gotta do. Love ya Kierst!
amen. amen. and amen. You’ve fought a good fight. You’ve finnished your course! You’ve kept your (almost)sanity! good for you! And I’m SO glad Ashton is doing better on formula! Some babies just ARE.