Let me just start by saying this: feeding your baby is not a moral competition.

And yet… the moment you get pregnant, people suddenly transform into self-declared lactation experts.

“Are you planning to breastfeed?”
“Oh, you have to breastfeed!”
“Formula? Hmm… I would never.”

Excuse me while I go rage-eat a croissant.

🤱 My experience (a.k.a. not a Pinterest-perfect feeding journey)

I was honestly terrified I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed.

Why? Well, for starters — C-section. I knew the odds could be tricky, and I was preparing myself for the worst. But girl… my baby girl came out like a tiny milk-powered warrior. She latched like her life depended on it (I mean, I guess it kinda did), and we never even opened a can of formula. Not one drop. Just boob on demand, 24/7 buffet vibes.

But while my breastfeeding journey worked out, my sister’s was a completely different story.

She wanted to breastfeed. She tried. But the milk just wasn’t there. Add a nasty case of mastitis, and it became torture. Her first baby cried a lot — probably hungry, poor thing — and the guilt ate her alive. Everyone around her kept saying, “Just keep trying!” and it made her feel like a failure.

Eventually, she switched to formula. Her second baby? Straight to formula from day one.
And guess what? Both of her kids are thriving.

They slept better than most, they were chubby and happy, and they’re just as healthy and loved as every other kid on the playground.

📢 So here’s the actual truth:

• Breastfeeding is amazing — if it works for you.
  
• Formula is a gift — when breastfeeding doesn’t.
  
• Fed is best. Full stop.
  
• The pressure to breastfeed can be damaging AF, especially when it's wrapped in shame and guilt.
  
• Your mental health matters. Your sleep matters. YOU matter.
  

🛠 What helped ME personally:

• I had a LOT of milk, which made things easier (and messier 😅).
  
• My baby was a champion latcher from day one.
  
• Lanolin cream was my BFF during those first few painful days.
  
• Those mesh-style bras with pads saved me from more public “wet T-shirt contests.”
  
• I drank more water while nursing than I ever have in my life. We’re talking gallon status.
  
• And honestly? Having zero formula stress gave me space to just bond with my baby.
  

But just because it worked for me doesn't mean it's the “right” way. The right way is the one where both you and your baby are doing okay.

💛 Final thoughts (and a gentle reminder):

Feeding your baby should not feel like a public performance. You’re not auditioning for “Mom Idol.” You’re doing your best, with what you’ve got, in the body you’ve got, with the baby you’ve got.

So whether your baby gets breastmilk, formula, or a mix — YOU are doing enough.

And your baby? They’re lucky to have a mama who cares this much.

Now go drink some water, hug your little one, and tell the mommy shamers to kindly go sip their opinions elsewhere.