Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

Earlier this year I wrote a blog post titled “You Don’t Have to Breastfeed — Pt 1: Stop the Shame” and promised readers that I would create a part two of the series explaining why I opted to formula feed my daughter.

If you didn’t catch that earlier post you can click here to read it.

While I fully acknowledge that there are numerous scientific studies suggesting that breastfeeding is the healthiest thing for the baby, it simply might not be the healthiest thing (mentally and emotionally) for the mama. Let’s face it, breastfeeding is a TON of hard work!

I’m truly not here to debate which option is better. That decision is between God, your baby, and you. But what I am here to do is support the mama who might be struggling with the intensity of breastfeeding and remind her that it’s ok NOT to breastfeed, even if the Instagram-mom culture is telling you that you have to.

For six months, I struggled to breastfeed my first daughter. I felt like I had to in order to be a “good mom.” However, after climbing out of the pit of postpartum depression and seeing things more clearly, I realized that my future children would be 100% fine if they drank formula instead. They would still grow into intelligent, healthy adults who love and serve Jesus.

Fast forward to 2023 and we found out we were expecting another little blessing! YAY! But my hang-up was breastfeeding. I didn’t want to do it again. After a long series of discussions with my husband, we came up with these reasons why it simply wasn’t the best thing for me.

7 Reasons I Chose NOT to Breastfeed:

1. My first daughter was not a great eater and it had only added to my feelings of failure as a first-time mom.
2. I wanted to feel more independent and less tied to a little human all the time.
3. I wanted to feel more rested by splitting the night feedings with my husband.
4. I didn’t love the feeling of someone sucking on my body.
5. I disliked the feeling of leaking and having my body hormonally react to every cry.
6. I felt self-conscious every time I had to feed her in front of people, even with a cover on.
7. Due to my first daughter’s nursing challenges, I had to pump exclusively for months –>It was not fun and double the work!

So for all of those reasons and more, we chose formula. And it’s ok.

My second child, who has been fed only formula since her birth, is just as healthy as my breastfed daughter. Developing normally, happy, smiling and loving life! And I am too.

This time around, I enjoy feedings so much more. I love seeing her smiley, drooly chin as she happily chugs her milk. She’s being nourished physically, and emotionally because I am in a more healthy frame of mind. I made the best choice for me.

In closing, I just want to reiterate that I am by no means slamming mamas who have chosen to breastfeed. I simply want to make sure that mamas who have chosen to formula feed don’t feel shame, if they have chosen what they felt was best for them.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1 ESV

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