Bottle feeding and the guilt that comes with it

Mar 81 min read

We had to switch to formula at 4 weeks because breastfeeding wasn't working out for us. My wife felt so guilty about it but I was actually relieved because now I could feed the baby and bond that way too. But my mom keeps making comments about how 'breast is best' and it's making my wife feel worse. How do you guys deal with family judgment on feeding choices? And am I crazy for thinking bottle feeding has been a blessing? At least now we can both do night shifts and I don't feel like a spectator.

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Comments(7)

LLance K.RegularMar 9

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about this. Fed is best and honestly formula feeding opened up so much for my family. Your wife is doing great, your daughter is healthy, that's what matters.

SSteve K.New DadMar 9

The pressure around breastfeeding is insane. Nobody gives you the same guilt trip about bottle feeding once you realize your kid is thriving on it. Your daughter is fed, that's the whole game.

JJamesRegular3w ago

Formula is feeding your kid. That's it. That's the whole thing. Your wife needs to know that millions of kids thrived on formula and your daughter is going to be totally fine. The guilt is real but it's not warranted.

MMike R.RegularMar 9

The guilt is so unnecessary but I totally get why she feels it. Society puts so much pressure on moms about this. At the end of the day your kid is healthy and fed and that's what matters. My wife went through the same thing.

LLance K.RegularMar 9

Been there. We switched at 5 weeks and it was honestly the best decision for our family's mental health. Fed is best, period. Your daughter is getting what she needs and your wife gets to not be in constant pain. Win-win.

MMike P.New DadMar 9

That moment when you realize fed is best and the weight lifts off your shoulders is huge. Your daughter doesn't care where the nutrition comes from. She's got a happy parent now and that's everything.

FFrank S.New DadMar 9

We switched at 6 weeks and I remember the guilt was real for a minute. But then I realized my daughter was actually eating better, sleeping better, and my wife was not in pain anymore. That guilt evaporated fast. You made the right call.