by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

?Is your baby hungry"? is, in my opinion, the only question that should ever cross the lips of an inquisitive stranger (or family member). No queries about breastfeeding, not one arched eyebrow accompanying the word ?formula,? and certainly no unsolicited advice is ever necessary.
And that?s exactly how it happens...in a land where mothers and their babies ride over rainbows on the backs of unicorns (while the baby is securely strapped into a unicorn seat that meets current safety regulations, of course). In this land, unfortunately, it?s not that simple or polite, and sometimes it?s unsupportive, and downright mean.
Please explain this to me: If you?re not my child?s pediatrician or employed by the department of Child Protective Services, what right do you have to ask questions or offer council (and by council I mean your opinion) on what I feed my baby and how long I plan to do so" My child is fed, healthy and happy. Why isn?t that enough"

I?ve witnessed mothers apologizing for feeding their baby formula. I've heard mothers offer explanations as to why they don?t breastfeed. Yes, we?ve all been told that breastfed is best. But fed isn?t too shabby, either.
There are moms who can?t breastfeed their children. I have friends who jump through numerous proverbial hoops just to pump 2 ounces of breast milk a day, leaving them with no choice but to supplement with formula. Other moms don?t even have the option to try, becau...