by Sabrina Garibian posted in Parenting

As a mom who breastfed three kids for a year each, and who plans to breastfeed future children, I found Melissa Willets' post on why formula-feeding is easier than breastfeeding to be surprising. We should all be so thankful that formula exists so we can make the choice. But I feel that breastfeeding is much easier if you stick it out and get the right support at the beginning.
I don't judge other moms because we all make our own choices, but to me formula feeding seems to be a much harder route than breastfeeding. Yes, nursing hurts a lot at first and there's a strong learning curve, but once you pass that first hump it's often fairly easy.
I will say, though, that I do completely understand many of Melissa's reasons for thinking formula-feeding is easier. I do feel like a cow during that year of nursing and I have wished to have my body to myself. And I definitely wish others could easily feed my baby when I want a rare night out or just a night off. Despite all of that, I still think breastfeeding is easier. Here's why:

1. You can feed baby anytime, anywhere. This can be argued both ways, but I can't imagine having to remember to pack or measure formula and bringing bottles everywhere. I am not super comfortable as a public breastfeeder but have never had trouble finding a discreet place to nurse. I'll take that over packing a bottle any day.
2. I don't have to wash bottles. Again with the bottles" Yup. I do give my kids o...