Sayin' it loud and proud...

First, let me say that our sweet baby Colten has arrived. He's so perfect and beautiful! He was born via c-section at 8:05. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and 20 inches long. It's been a painful recovery but I know it's all worth it when I see that precious little boy. We are so happy to have Colten home with his brothers.

Now, on to the reason of my post. Let me say it loud and proud right here and now...NO I'M NOT BREASTFEEDING OR EVEN PUMPING!!! Gasp!! Shake your head in shame!! I know!!

I hope to give encouragement to anyone who may feel embarrassed or like a failure if you can't breastfeed. This is not an easy task to do. When I had Levi no one told me how difficult it can be to teach your baby to breastfeed. I thought they just came out and knew how to do it.

Levi was a struggle and the whole time Matt was off work was spent trying to get him to latch on. It was miserable. Jax was the same way. The entire stay at the hospital was stressful and I cried a ton. Jax never got it and never was interested in latching on.

This time around I told myself it's just not worth the stress and tears. We didn't want the hospital stay to be horrible and miserable. We went to the hospital with the intention of just pumping and saving my milk. After being in the hospital for a day I decided I didn't even want to pump.

Why? Because I have two kids at home that would tear my house apart every time I'm hooked up to that breast pump. It wouldn't take them long to figure out that when I'm hooked up to that pump they could do whatever they wanted. I know I'm not the first person to have a 4 year old and 2 year old at home and people have made it work. But again, it's stressful and I don't have time for stressful.

This hospital stay was perfect. It was easy and relaxing and actually enjoyable. Over the course of my pregnancy we stocked up on formula. It's expensive and we knew that going in this. I don't doubt or question that breast milk is best. I know all the benefits of it. But I've also raised 2 other kids on formula and they've turned out just fine.

Another benefit of using formula for us is the fact that it also gives Matt a chance to bond with our children. Since I have c-sections it takes longer for me to recover. I have to spend a lot of time in bed or on the couch. This way Matt is able to help out as well.

Just know that you are not a failure if you can't breastfeed. You are not a horrible person if you have to use formula. Your baby will be just fine and will not turn out weird simply because you used formula. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.