#MondayMotivation: What Is The Right Way To Feed? Sucheta Pal On Opinions And What She Feels

Motherhood is a new experience for me, and every woman gives birth for the very first time. This is the time when there are people around every new mother providing advice on ways to raise a child. No matter how much it matters for new mothers to get some useful tips on mothering a child, some impose more than suggesting. Women often come across several suggestions on the 'RIGHT WAY' to feed the child by even random people. I feel everyone has an opinion on everything. I was hoping you could read below to know what I think when I come across such people giving me tips on this topic.

#We know that a child should be breastfed for 6 months

No matter how sweet it is for people to tell new mothers that a child should be breastfed for 6 months after birth, but we know that, and we have read about it all over. I believe that it is challenging, physically and emotionally, for a new mother and is certainly a rollercoaster of emotions. This means breastfeeding does not come that naturally to new mothers. We know how breastfeeding is essential for the infant but the confusing research on the six month breastfeeding time is not exactly proven. Some say 3-4 months is enough while some claim on one year. Also, I believe that not much has been done to make it easier for women to breastfeed infants for six months. Specific things to ponder upon include lack of spaces for women to breastfeed, the shame attached to it, etc.

Also Read: #MondayMotivation: 5 Things No One Tells You About Labour And Childbirth

#Don't judge women who go for formula feeding

It is purely the mother's choice of what to chose for the child. Whether it is only formula feeding or a mix of both. Most women are discouraged from going for formula feeding for the very fact of hygiene practised while preparing the feed. However, with time, scientific evolution has made formula feeding very close to breastfeeding. In several cases, women are forced to take such steps due to several reasons. It can be possible that the mother is not able to produce enough milk for the baby or the mom has painful mastitis. In some cases, breastfeeding can take a toll on women, mentally and emotionally. Or, most women make a conscious choice as it is the 21st century. One should not impose what they think is right on new mothers.

Also Read: #MondayMotivation: Tips For Working Parents After Childbirth

Sucheta's Take On Breastfeeding

I feel it is my right to chose what is best for my child and my health too when it comes to feeding the child. I have selected a combination of direct breastfeeding, pumping and formula feed as and when required for the baby. I feel that a happy mommy can only keep a baby happy. I think that it is on the mother to take any decision she wants for both to stay happy and healthy. So, for all the new mothers making their choices based on what others say, do what you feel is best for you and the baby and listen to what the doctors have to say.

(With inputs from Sucheta's Official Instagram Account)

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