Shhhh... it's a secret
So keep your voice down
Don't spread my problems
All over town.
Shhhh... it's a secret
And I'm too scared to say
I might be embarrassed
I might be ashamed
Shhhh.. it's a secret
I don't want to tell
I'm having problems breastfeeding
I can't do it well.
Shhhh... it's a secret
My milk just won't come
My baby is unhappy
And I'm feeling dumb.
I do want to breastfeed
But don't know what's wrong
If my baby can't eat
It won't grow healthy and strong
But, don't tell anybody
It'll just make me sad
And make me feel like
I've done something bad
So I'll just lay here with my baby
Give it a bottle day and night
Since the doctors all say
Formula is good enough, right?
Yeah, I'll just do that
Since it's easier and to do-
To give my baby a bottle
Than tell my secret to you.
Any day can be a good day if it has babies, baking, or Adam Sandler!
Aww, Christina. I am sorry you are having problems breastfeeding. You have to do what you have to do sweetie! If you want to keep breastfeeding, but feel you need to give a bottle to keep 7's weight up, do it! If you want to go straight bottle, that is okay too! It is YOUR decision, YOUR baby, YOUR life, and no one has the right to judge or tell you what to do.
ReplyDeleteIf I felt like my kid was FTT, but still wanted to BF, I would probably supplement, as well as pump and offer the breast. But that is only if you feel you still want to bf, you know? If you don't, wean her to the bottle so she doesn't get an upset belly, instead of just going cold turkey.
(((HUGS))) <3 you
:) Bless you, N. I'm glad that you said that. This poem isn't actually about me, but that's not what is important.
ReplyDeleteI think your support is very important, but I guess I was kind of going for encouraging breastfeeding support instead with the poem. The women who are having trouble with breastfeeding are too afraid to say anything, so they give up quickly and go to formula. Had I not been persistent with my breastfeeding, and been afraid to find a solution that didn't include formula, I would have easily given up and given in to my pediatrician, who told me to give her formula.
But, for me, breastfeeding isn't a secret ordeal. And I don't feel like it should be for any woman. If a woman is struggling, they shouldn't feel the way this poem portrays- afraid to ask for help for fear of feeling dumb or a failure. They should ask for help- scream to the world, ask any mother they know for advice... not be ashamed that they are struggling.
If formula winds up being the way to go, I understand. But I just feel like it should be a last resort, not "oh, the doctor's say it's good enough, so I'm just not going to even try anymore".
You're an awesome lady, and all women should have support no matter what they choose. But they shouldn't be afraid to ask for it.
<3