Complementary feeding: ideals vs. reality

To formula feed or not to formula feed?

That question still remains one of the most important for many mothers.

Running a business, I didn’t stop working (even going into labour – but Sabine was a week early, so hey) and I reached a point where exclusive breastfeeding was not a realistic option.

What is a modern mum to do? More and more mums are going back to work earlier, either due to financial necessity, or because they simply want to pursue their careers.  In a perfect world we would all breastfeed easily, without the conflicting demands of work, our partners – bless them, or the generally busy lives we lead.. Did someone mention a social life..?

I understand breastfeeding is the best choice…

But what if you have no choice? What if you are sick?  Or your body is full of medication or other toxins you can’t risk passing on?

Do you attempt a half-half approach?  Advice suggests part bottle, part breast can be unsuccessful, but you don’t want your baby going cold turkey either…

You could persist with the breast pump but it still requires the time to do it, or you could give in and change completely to baby formula.

I made the choice to complementary feed, so Sabine could continue to have breast milk, and I could go to work comfortably and help provide for my family.

Decision made, now to choose a formula.

I had no idea whatsoever where to start with the overwhelming wall of tins in the supermarket.  Even though I felt I should, going to a health nurse for help seemed terrifying, as I suspected I would be drilled about why I thought I needed to feed baby formula at all.

No guilt, just the information please, and fast!

As it turned out, Sabine took to anything that was given to her – what an angel!

The guilt at having to hand her over to a bottle… Wow, that sure did take to me!

I offset some of that guilt by choosing an organic baby formula.

I took comfort knowing I could avoid a growing list of additive nasties including growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, fertilizers and steroids, so that seemed like a responsible sort of thing to do.

I think I made the right choice for our circumstances.

She’s a happy, healthy girl – in fact you can see her running in the park on the back of yummy Bellamy’s Organic fruit snacks!

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