As an adult, the question of whether you were breastfed or formula-fed is likely to be the last thing on your mind. Honestly, I have no clue if I was breastfed. My partner? No idea. My sister? Not a chance. And honestly, I’m pretty sure even the brilliant minds like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs never pondered this themselves.
When I take my two-year-old to the pediatrician for her pesky ear infections, the topic of breastfeeding has never come up. Not once. The only time it was a hot topic was right after giving birth when I was figuring out the ins and outs of lactation with the help of a consultant and tracking feeding times in the hospital.
Once you move past the early days of either breastfeeding or formula feeding, the subject is rarely discussed again — unless you’re a passionate advocate for one side or the other. But if you’ve been surfing the internet lately, you might think it’s a constant topic of debate. Spoiler alert: it isn’t.
Sure, it’s essential to offer support for mothers who wish to breastfeed; access to lactation consultants should be as common as formula samples. However, you shouldn’t feel guilty about your feeding choices. After the first year of your child’s life (or however long your breastfeeding journey lasts), this topic will fade into the background, and you’ll be focused on the next parenting hurdle.
Let’s be real: don’t buy into the hype. The most important thing is that your child is well-fed and you feel good about your choices—whether that’s breastmilk or formula. People can debate the merits of each method until they’re out of breath, but you don’t have to join that fray.
There will always be articles claiming that one method is better than the other. One recent piece I stumbled upon had a headline that could only be described as judgmental: “If You Don’t Breastfeed, I’m Judging The HELL Out Of You.” The article was filled with quotes that could make any parent feel inadequate. But here’s the thing: your child’s well-being is your responsibility, and no one knows what’s best for your baby better than you do. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for your decisions, especially when it comes to something as intimate as feeding your child. Whether the reason is, “I can’t find a place to pump at work,” or “I simply don’t want to,” both are completely valid.
And let’s be honest: “Were you breastfed?” is a question that won’t even cross your mind as you navigate adulthood. It’s not something you’ll need to mention on job applications or in conversations. There are no awards for breastfeeding versus formula feeding.
Remember this if you ever feel guilty about your choices as a parent: no one cares if you were breastfed or formula fed. And if they do, they’re a bit strange.
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In summary, whether you were breastfed or formula fed is irrelevant in the grand scheme of life. Focus on what works best for you and your child, and let the rest fall by the wayside.