Shared with permission from Flawless Imperfection.

I failed at breastfeeding. Can any of you relate?

Giving birth to my son was the best experience of my life.

The staff was amazing.
The labor was quick.
The pain was minimal.

I was on top of the world; nothing could get me down.

When it was time to breastfeed my son latched quickly. Another success.

But we quickly realized that he was more fussy than he ought to be.
He wanted to constantly suckle.
He was taking cluster feeding to a whole new level.
He was miserable.

But I kept on— because “breast is best”.

This went on for days, weeks.

I started taking medicine.
I hired a lactation consultant.
I ate special smoothies and snacks.
I started a strict pumping schedule.

Nothing was working, but I couldn’t give up, right?

I finally broke down at my son’s first wellness appointment.

I sobbed and sniffled as I poured my heart out to the pediatrician.

She placed her hand on my shoulder and encouraged me with the words I needed to hear,

“You are doing a great job Mama.”

She explained that my son was not getting enough nutrients and advised us to switch to formula.

I felt defeated.
I felt like a failure.
I felt like a bad mom.
I felt unworthy of motherhood.

But I humbled myself and followed orders.

I cried as my son drank a full bottle and then fell blissfully asleep. It was the exact thing that my discouraged heart needed to see.

So, to all you Mamas, you’re doing a good job!

You are not defeated.
You are not a failure.
You are not a bad mom.
You are worthy.

It’s time to stop shaming each other for how our babies are nourished.

Let’s just remember that fed is best!