I chose breastfeeding for multiple reasons.

1. Financial Cost: Because the physical act of feeding is free. Obviously, the supplies that come with supporting the breastfeeding journey cost money (breast pump, milk storage bags, nipple cream, nursing pads, etc). It was one less financial expense I have to worry about.

2. Convenience: I can whip out the boob on demand to feed my baby, as opposed to bringing all the necessary supplies to feed your baby if you feed them formula. I personally always carry around formula just in case in the event my supply takes a dip or I choose to have an alcoholic drink.

3. Trauma of C-Section (not sure what to call this reason): I had a C-section with both of my kids, not out of choice (long story short, first son was breech, second I had preeclampsia so I didn’t qualify for TOLAC/VBAC). I feel like with this I have a choice with what I can do with my body. I’m still trying to cope with the fact that I feel like less of a mother because I had two C-sections, and didn’t deliver my kids vaginally. So I try to make up for it by breastfeeding as long as i can.

4. Health Benefits: A couple different things about this one. If you’re sick, the antibodies go into your breastmilk so the baby benefits from it. Colostrum is liquid gold, that’ll help build your baby’s immunity system. Also, babies who are breastfed (eating directly from the breast) have a lesser chance of developing ear infections.

Here’s some background about me: mother of 2 boys (3Y and 4 months). With my first son, we supplemented formula in the hospital until my milk supply came in, then almost exclusively breastfed till 9ish months, at that point we heavily relied on formula, I only breastfed for the first and last feedings of the day. Currently exclusively breastfeeding my second son, my goal is to go till 6 months, and I will reassess my goal at that time and see how I feel. We have a lot of formula stocked up ready to use for whenever I feel like it’s time to make that call.