by Melissa Willets posted in Mom Stories

If you've read any of my posts about formula feeding, you know I never had an intense desire to experience breastfeeding. Still, I attempted to breastfeed when my first daughter was born. A few setbacks later, and I somewhat eagerly switched to formula, never looking back.
Sort of.
I can tell you opting for the bottle greatly enhanced not only my experience as a mother, but my ability to be a good one, since I wasn't stressing about breastfeeding. But I've always wondered why I couldn't make it work.
I think I finally know, and am ready to admit, the answer to that question.
First, I want to back up a bit, and affirm that despite what I'm about to share, my intention is NOT to give bottle feeding moms yet another reason to feel inferior for their choice. My only hope is that just one other mother will relate to what I'm confessing, and not feel so alone. Because, let's face it; formula feeding moms are often harshly judged. And if that isn't traumatic enough, we're constantly battling a deep sense of guilt as new studies are published touting breast milk's benefits.
I'm sure I'm not the only bottle feeder who's worried I somehow lessened my kids' chances for healthy, happy lives.

My mother breastfed me; let's get that burning question out of the way.
And I'm extremely health conscious. Don't believe me" I've eaten a vegetarian diet my entire adult life, and I exercise daily. My kids don't know what soda is,...