RE: SIL is thinking of NOT breastfeeding this time
Maybe it's best for the family.
Millions of babies have thrived, and will continue to thrive, on formula. Breast milk is superior, for sure. But there are also downsides to it, mostly for the mom. And if, for this mom, those outweigh the benefits to her child, that doesn't mean she's lazy or a bad parent or selfish. She can be a better parent when she's making the choices that make sense for her.
There's more than a hint of judgemental thinking going on in these posts, and on this board, and that troubles me. You don't have to sacrifice everything you like about your life to your children, okay? You can return to work, or decide pumping is too much of a pain, or put them in a baby swing so you can spend a few minutes in a bath, or use disposable diapers, or buy them toys made of plastic, or let them watch television, or buy baby food off the shelf of your grocery store! And you know what? Your kids will be FINE! They'll be better off if you're happy to have them around, and reasonably sane. If you don't want to do those things, that's okay, too. Maybe we could all get together and agree to stop picking apart each other's choices, and feeling superior when we're better martyrs or spend more money and more time on things that, realistically, are just options and lifestyle choices.
Food, shelter, love, medical care, stability and guidance. That's a full load for anyone to provide, and we all do it. So take whatever shortcuts you need to make sure those things are there, and don't feel the need to defend your choices or apologize to anyone.
I know I went OT a little, but that's been building up for a long time. Anyone is free to email me if they want to discuss it more.
Katie, Mom to two boys
Retraining my dopamine circuits thanks to David Kessler, MD.
Jonathan: Halloween 2004
Alex: A smidge past Groundhog Day 2007