What…..You bottle fed your babies?

I always felt that this is a touchy subject especially when it involves newborn babies.

However, after 3 little ones I have got to a point where I don’t care anymore what other people think or say so here it is…..I bottle fed all 3 of my children – whew there you go I said it!

Before anyone judges (because let’s face it people do) I fully support those that breastfeed and if you can do it and it works for you, fantastic!

But let’s not put down or make those of us who choose to bottle feed whether it be by choice or other reasons feel ashamed, guilty or wrong about it.

I had my own personal reasons for not breastfeeding, and I did try it…it didn’t work out for me, I hated it, my baby would get upset and be unsettled because I was, and I just felt pretty darn miserable.

Introducing the bottle.

So, after a few weeks of crying at every feed….me included, feeling sore and still recovering after an awful birth I made the decision to try bottle feeding.

Boy, the guilt I felt was horrible – am I doing the right thing, am I a good mum for bottle feeding, what if my baby gets sick because I did not breastfeed, are we going to have the same connection or will it change.

I don’t know what was worst…

feeling crap because breastfeeding wasn’t going well or feeling crap that I was bottle feeding my baby.

As a new parent, going through labour and having no idea how to look after this little human being, life was feeling pretty tough!

Over time what I did notice was that my baby and I were not crying at every feed, my baby was having a decent amount of milk,  and he was happy and settled.

So with that, I made the decision to keep bottle feeding, and I stuck with it – and things got better – so much better for us!

When Baby number 2 came along!

When I had baby number 2, I was happy to try the breastfeeding thing again, but I was also prepared to bottle feed if that did not work. Sure enough, the same feelings and emotions started creeping in, and so I transitioned into bottle feeding.

When I had baby number 3, I went straight into bottle feeding.  I made the decision to bottle feed before I had my baby and I was firm and strong on that decision.  It was an entirely different feeling from 5 years ago.

I have enjoyed my entire experience with this baby so much more – taking away the stress of breastfeeding right from day one, for me, felt like I started off and continued in a positive mind frame.

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Do I think bottle feeding affected my children?

No! I have happy, healthy children.  All of my babies put on a considerable amount of weight, all of my babies were settled and slept, and continue to sleep well.

All my children hardly ever get sick and are smart and clever little individuals who exceeded their baby milestones.

I have an amazing and special bond with all of my children.

So Mums, the message behind today’s post is

Don’t feel guilty if you have to or choose to bottle feed for whatever reason. Don’t beat yourself up, don’t stress and worry because in my opinion happy mum = happy baby!

See my other Baby Post here!