Few parenting decisions feel as heavy as choosing how to feed your baby. The conversation around breastfeeding vs bottle feeding can quickly become emotional, overwhelming and sometimes deeply personal.
With my firstborn, I exclusively breastfed. It was something I felt proud of. It bonded us in beautiful, quiet ways, and I truly believed I would do the same with my twins.
But life had other plans.
After the twins were born, I faced health complications and struggled with very low blood pressure. My body was weak. I tried to push through. I wanted to repeat the same feeding journey I had with my first baby. When I realized I could not continue breastfeeding, it shattered me.
It felt like I was losing something important. It felt like I had failed.
But I had not failed. My body needed care. And my babies needed a mother who was stable and recovering. If you are standing at a similar crossroads, please know you are not alone.
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Why Breastfeeding Is Often Recommended
Breastfeeding is widely recommended because breast milk is uniquely designed for a baby’s developing body. It contains nutrients and natural antibodies that support immune health and growth. Many mothers cherish the closeness of skin-to-skin feeding and the quiet bonding moments it creates.
There can also be health benefits for mothers, including support with postpartum recovery.
For some families, breastfeeding becomes a smooth and meaningful journey. For others, it requires significant support and perseverance. And for some, despite every effort, it becomes unsustainable. Breastfeeding is natural. But it is not always simple.
When Your Body Says No
We rarely talk about this part openly. Sometimes, medical complications, low supply, pain, mental health struggles or physical weakness make exclusive breastfeeding impossible. When I was battling low blood pressure after the twins’ birth, I remember feeling dizzy, exhausted and defeated. Continuing to push my body would not have been strength. It would have been self-neglect. Choosing to stop was not giving up on my babies. It was choosing to survive and recover for them.
Also Read: Understanding Micro Preemie Survival and NICU Care
Letting Go of Comparison
What made it harder for me was comparison. I had exclusively breastfed my first child. I kept asking myself why I could not “do it again.” But motherhood is not a repeated exam where you must score the same results each time. Every pregnancy, every baby and every postpartum season is different. Your worth as a mother is not measured by consistency across children. It is measured by responsiveness and care in the present moment.
Signs Your Baby Is Thriving
Instead of focusing only on feeding method, look at the bigger picture. A baby who is gaining weight steadily, producing regular wet diapers and appearing content between feeds is usually doing well. If you ever feel unsure, speak to your healthcare provider. Seeking guidance is responsible, not dramatic.
The Mum Who Feels Shattered
It is okay to grieve the experience you hoped for. But please hear this clearly: a fed baby is a loved baby. Your baby does not measure love by exclusivity. Your baby feels love in your arms, your voice, your patience and your protection. You are not defined by what your body could or could not do in one season. You are defined by the courage it took to adjust when things changed. And that is strength.
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Disclaimer: Easy Mummy shares general parenting information and personal experiences for educational purposes only. Content is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or mental-health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for specific concerns.
