Breastfeeding. Oh my gawd. I look serene here but I was post seven meltdowns and having to get mum to shove a boob into Art’s mouth to keep him on. It is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever done - and at what price?? I’ve tallied it up and so far the cost of breastfeeding (so often lauded as the “cheap” or “free” feeding option) has cost us $3000. Not an exaggeration: lactation consultants (I had two - shout out to @jwp.care ), supplements, tinctures, hospital grade pumps, fucking lactation cookies, medication, nipple shields, alternate parts and flanges. This doesn’t include the cost of my mental health OR therapy which, let me tell you, was a must. My therapist told me that 90% of her patients with PPD/ PPA are there because of breastfeeding difficulties, societal judgement and preconceived notions about how a “good” mother feeds her baby. It makes me really sad. What’s the point of this post? I guess it’s that I’ve learned over the past 5 weeks that the best mother feeds her baby in the best way she can. ‘Breast is best’ needs to get in the bin 🗑. Art is mixed fed and has been on formula since birth - and I have a low supply and Insufficient Growth Tissue which means I’ll never produce a huge amount of milk. But regardless of your reason, however you choose to feed your kids is what’s best for them - and, most importantly, you. ❤️❤️❤️