I am the adoptive mother of a three month old, so I obviously never had the option of breastfeeding. Even so, I am appalled at the number of strangers that lecture me on the benefits of nursing when they see me mixing formula in public. My sister tells me to just start mixing it at home, but I refuse to change my routine just to keep a few nosy people off my back. Does anyone else have this problem? And what do you say to those people because I'm currently at a loss?
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You owe no explanation. I fully support breast feeding and I'm not in favor of formula in most cases, but I recognize that sometimes it's necessary when breast feeding is not an option. Especially when you adopt.I set out to breast feed all my children. I failed with my oldest child. I breast fed for 3 weeks and then due to my own lack of motivation and his weight loss/lactose issues, I gave him formula. He's perfectly healthy. I've breast fed my two other children. One until she was 15 months old. I'm still currently nursing my youngest who is 14 months old. I'm also 5 weeks pregnant with our 4th and I plan to nurse him/her as well.But just because I'm extremely pro-breast feeding doesn't mean I don't know there are exceptions to it :) I'm just glad that your baby found a good, caring mother in YOU. You're doing wonderful. You don't have to say anything to them if you don't want. But if you feel the need to say anything, just say "I adopted". That usually shuts them up quick.Other Answers:
- Say "I'm so sorry that adopting a child and caring for it in the only way possible is offensive to you. Have a nice day!"Some people just have no class..
- Just tell them that breastfeeding isn't an option for you, and tell them they're being rude.
- You did a wonderful thing and you should not have to feel ashamed for feeding your child, or feel you have to change your routine. I had some of the same comments said to me when I didn't breastfeed but I didn't produce enough milk right away. I used to tell people straight out what the problem was and they would always shut up right after that. I like the response of the first person, it's polite way of telling them to mind their own business and that they shouldn't assume.
- When they actually say something...look them in the eye and say - hes adopted. And let it go at that..you have already said more than necessary - its no one else's business how you feed your child.
