Breastfeeding doesn't make you a good mom

I'm all for breastfeeding, don't get me wrong.  I breastfed both of my children, though my second go around didn't last very long.  But I'm tired of people equating breastfeeding with being a good mother.  There are so many things that make one a good mother other than how you feed your child,  and there are so many reasons a woman may choose not to breastfeed.

Breast is best.  Agreed.  Now let's move on to reality.  In the real world breastfeeding takes a lot of time and patience, most workplaces don't provide clean, private, places to pump, and most women need to go back to work for financial reasons.  It all creates a situation that's not always conducive to being able to breastfeed.  But that doesn't make you a bad mother.  You're doing the best you can, and you should be supported in your decision. 

What makes a woman a good mother is spending time with her child, reading to her child, playing with her child, being there when they get older and more moody, unconditionally loving your child even when there are days you'd like to recycle them!

Choosing not to breastfeed is not a collapse of your morality and no one should make you feel badly about it.  What's equally important as your baby's health is yours---both your physical health and your psychological health.  If you, as a mother are in a good place psychologically you'llbe able to do more for your child, your child will sense that and that's a huge health benefit to your baby/toddler.  That's being a good mother.

So just remember, there are many things that make you a good mother.  And no matter what way you choose to feed your baby, that's a good decision for you and your family.  You wouldn't make it otherwise.  Don't let anyone make you feel differently.