To Our Cowtown Mamas

As we wrap up World Breastfeeding Week and our Feeding Journeys Series, we want to say ‘thank you’ to you, our readers. You are the reason we write and share and do what we do, and this week we have been overwhelmed by the response that we’ve received. This topic stirs up excitement, passion, disappointment, pain, pride, shame, and a myriad of other emotions and opinions. Regardless of the choices you’ve made for your family, or the choices life made for you, we hope you have found a place of connection, support, and encouragement.

The Huffington Post has been running some thought-provoking articles during World Breastfeeding Week, that like us, have shown the various opinions and decisions women have as they begin their process of feeding their babies.  Inspired by this post and this post, we wanted to take the time to say what we have learned during this week.

I was incredibly ill-prepared for my breast feeding journey, despite all that I did during pregnancy. It has been tough. There are days I wanted to quit. There are people who encouraged me to quit. But there are also those who fought for me and with me, and it is through that support that I have continued on. I am no expert and I still have a long way to go, but the support and encouragement from others on what can oftentimes be a lonely path for moms has been tremendous in allowing me to keep my resolve and carry on.  – Carly

Having two severe reflux children, I rarely fed my children in public.  I can honestly say, I never experienced judging eyes on me as I gave Wyatt a bottle of formula, so although I struggled with my own guilt, it was only my negative opinions of myself that I dealt with.  I rarely nursed Abigail in public, but when I did I was discreet and never saw disapproving glances my way. As I read these stories of struggles and triumphs I realized how much other moms have felt pressure beyond themselves.

My wish for my fellow mommies is 2 things :

1. Let go of the self-judgment. Let go of the guilt that you hold for every small deviation in path that you weren’t expecting for you and your baby. Stop being so hard on yourselves.
2. Do not add to the guilt of other mommies. It goes beyond ending the judgment – it is about removing insensitivity. It goes beyond just stopping the negative, but also bringing the positive. It is about encouraging one another. We beat ourselves down enough; we need help to lift our fellow mommies up.  – Emily S.

To the breast feeding mamas: way to go! We know what a toll it can take on your body and your time – breast feeding for many of you has come at a personal sacrifice. We love what you are doing for your babies, but remember to love your formula-feeding counterparts! Each woman has a unique story, so embrace them and the choices they are making for their families.  They love their babies just as you do.  Their children are healthy, happy, growing, and thriving, just like yours. They need a daily pick-me-up, someone to say “you are an INCREDIBLE mom!”. Keep your passions and convictions, but be sensitive towards your sisters.

To the formula feeding mamas: we salute you. Some of you came upon this form of feeding begrudgingly, through many tears. Others knew from the beginning this was best for your families. Either way, we know the energy and effort it takes to care for your little ones and give them the nutrition they need. We apologize others have been unkind or said hurtful things, but do not let it breed bitterness towards breast feeding mamas. Celebrate them and the choices they have made for their families. Encourage them to (tastefully) nurse in public. Acknowledge the challenges and pains they may have experienced to continue breast feeding when at times, they wanted to throw in the towel.

We are distinguished by a variety of choices, and the difference of opinion and choice will continue throughout our parenting journey.  Let us remember the common thread that binds us – we are MOTHERS. We love our babies, would give life or limb for them. We have taken on the hardest and most rewarding job in the world. So let us support each other and build one another up.

Warmly,