World Breastfeeding Week

It's World breastfeeding Week this week and all over the country, and the world, efforts are being made ot increase breastfeeding rates.  It's an admirable goal.  Breastmilk is called liquid gold, and there's a reason.  It is so very good for your baby.  So let's give a round of applause for all the efforts being made to boost breastfeeding.  Let's support those who want to do it.  And let's encourage and educate those who may not receive the best pre-natal care.  For sure, more effort needs to be made in that area.

But let's also support those who choose not, to or can't do it.  Formula is not the evil enemy.  In fact, it can be a life-saver.  And it has all the fats, proteins and nutrients that are in breastmilk.  Let's not make mothers who use formula feel guilty.  That's a dangerous thing to do.  It can be very debilitating and destabilizing for a mother.  And, if the mother is in a bad place psychologically, that's bound to affect her newborn (and other family members too).  If a mother has chosen to use formula, it's for a reason.  We don't make these decisions lightly.  Judging her doesn't help anyone. 

Bottom line, let's encourage and support breastfeeding efforts through awareness and education.  And let's also be supportive of a mother's personal choice.