Parenting insights often resonate deeply, and a recent post by a new mother captures that sentiment perfectly. Jessica Collins, a fresh face on social media, recently shared her decision to stop breastfeeding her baby, and her reason is refreshingly straightforward.
Just three months after giving birth, Collins had previously reassured her followers about her intent to nurse her child. She even created a clever video to quell any doubters who questioned her commitment to breastfeeding. But now, she’s made a bold choice to step away from nursing, and her rationale is something many can empathize with.
In today’s world, mothers face scrutiny no matter what feeding method they choose. Those who decide against breastfeeding simply because they don’t want to often bear the brunt of harsh judgment. To counteract this, Collins took to Instagram with a succinct and empowering message regarding her choice to stop breastfeeding.
“Today is the day I am officially DONE with breastfeeding,” she wrote. “I gave it a good run of nearly 3 months, but it’s time to retire the breasts. I hope sharing this makes other moms feel less isolated.”
Typically, when mothers share their reasons for weaning, they delve into numerous challenges faced along the way, including issues like low milk supply or painful experiences. However, Collins’ story is refreshingly simple: she just wanted to stop. “I’m not quitting because of any medical issues,” she stated. “I’m done because, quite frankly, I’m OVER IT. My choice, my body.”
And honestly, we couldn’t agree more. It’s her choice, and that’s all that matters.
“I’m fully aware that I might face criticism for this,” she added, “but I’m ready to reclaim my freedom for the sake of my sanity, and switching to bottles and formula will help with that.”
Her desire for sanity resonates with many. Personally, I exclusively nursed my child, though not entirely by choice. I had planned to breastfeed as long as my son wanted, but I also wanted breaks. Unfortunately, he was never keen on the bottle, which meant I was his only source of nourishment for far longer than I anticipated. The need for a little personal space that Collins mentions? It’s so valid. I often found myself feeling overwhelmed by my son’s dependence on nursing, and I can only imagine how much more enjoyable my motherhood journey would have been if I could have taken a feeding break now and then.
There’s no reward for sacrificing your well-being as a mother. If nursing is making you unhappy, then it’s absolutely okay to stop. No lengthy explanations are necessary. Your choice not to breastfeed is more than justified, and Collins reminds us that how you feed your baby does not define your abilities as a mother.
“You are NOT a bad parent if breastfeeding isn’t for you. A happy mom is the best gift for your baby,” she emphasizes.
For more insightful parenting content, consider checking out other resources like Make a Mom’s guide to home insemination or UCSF’s excellent information on IVF.
In summary, this post highlights the importance of maternal choice and the need for mothers to prioritize their well-being over societal expectations. Jessica Collins’ candidness serves as a reminder that it’s okay to step away from breastfeeding without guilt or justification.
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