Freedom from Guilt

Well, it's the 4th of July, Independence holiday and here at Moms Feeding Freedom, we're all about freedom too. Especially, freedom from guilt because let's face it, as moms we have plenty of opportunity for that.  As moms we make gazillions of choices for our children and families every day.  What to pack in the diaper bag, what snacks to bring for the toddler, which car seat to buy, what to dress the baby in.  We also have to juggle infinite demands and recommendations about what is best, and manage to avoid becoming neurotic in the process.  When it comes to how and what to feed our babies, we all need support and information so that we can make the best choice for our own particular, unique situation and our own baby.  We also need support when our decision contrasts with recommendations.

Because after all, if you provide moms with support, information and recommendations, you have to be willing to trust them to do what's best for them.  In some cases a mom's day-to-day life enables her to follow all the guidelines and recommendations, like breast feeding exclusively for 1 year.  In some cases, she will choose a little bit from column A and a little bit from column B, pumping and supplementing with formula and make it all work.  In some cases, the choice will be made for her, she will choose formula exclusively because that will be best for her.  In any case, each mom is doing what's best for her own baby. No matter what her choice is, she should have the freedom to make it without guilt and without feeling inadequate.  This independence day, I vote for supporting every mom and every baby. 

Independence means that you trust people to find their own way, and then back off even when their choices may not be yours.