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Husband Accuses New Mom Of Choosing Formula Over Breastfeeding Despite It Hurting Unbearably, Family Drama Ensues
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Husband Accuses New Mom Of Choosing Formula Over Breastfeeding Despite It Hurting Unbearably, Family Drama Ensues

Husband Accuses New Mom Of Being Selfish For Using Formula Instead Of Nursing Through The PainMom Stops Breastfeeding As It’s Too Painful For Her, Husband Says She’s Being “Selfish”New Mom Gives Up Breastfeeding Because It Hurts Too Much, Husband Accuses Her Of Choosing Her Own Comfort Over Their Son's HealthHusband Accuses New Mom Of Choosing Formula Over Breastfeeding Despite It Hurting Unbearably, Family Drama EnsuesHusband Demands New Mom Breastfeed Their Baby Despite It Being Painful For Her, She Asks If She Is Wrong For RefusingWoman Switches To Formula Because Nursing Is Too Painful, Husband Takes Her On A Guilt Trip For Prioritizing Her Own Comfort Over Their Son's HealthHusband Calls Wife Selfish For Not Nursing Their Son Through Her Pain And Choosing Formula InsteadHusband Accuses Wife Of Choosing Her Comfort Over Their Son's Health Because She Uses Formula Instead Of Nursing Through Her PainMom Switches To Formula After Experiencing Pain And Discomfort When Nursing, Husband Calls Her SelfishHusband Tries Guilt-Tripping His Wife Into Nursing Through Her Pain Instead Of Feeding Their Son Formula Because He Thinks It's Healthier
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During pregnancy, women’s bodies change drastically to support bringing a new life into the world. It doesn’t stop after birth either. Breastfeeding is the next step and it can be challenging for all mothers, especially first-time ones. However, some find it even more difficult than others.

In a recent Reddit thread, one mother opened up about her trouble with breastfeeding and the intense pain it was giving her. After making the switch to formula milk, she found there was still another nagging pain, but this time, from her husband instead. He was upset and disappointed in her for doing this, citing that it would affect the baby’s health and development.

Although it was her decision to do this, the mother here wondered if it was the right thing to do or if she was justified in her reasoning. Read on for the full story.

Image credits: Lucy Wolski (not the actual photo)

The World Health Organization recommends that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives. In a related study, approximately only 41% of newborns meet this requirement around the world, although this is not often through choice.

Like all mammals, we’ve naturally evolved to produce milk that provides all the essential nutrients to support our young before they can ingest solids. Everything that babies consume comes from their mother, which means that they need to be capable of sustaining both themselves and their little ones.

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According to medical research, an extra 500 calories per day is needed to help support milk production. Not to mention, a healthy diet is fundamental for this too. All the usual fruit and vegetables are needed in combination with healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also essential when breastfeeding.

RELATED:

    A new mother explains her problems of pain during breastfeeding

    She decides to use formula milk as an alternative, but her husband disagrees with it

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    He thinks that lack of breastfeeding is affecting the baby’s development

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    Image credits: Throwaway60991

    The nutrients being passed from mother to baby is one side of a healthy diet, another is the energy that it gives to mothers breastfeeding. Although babies first get their sustenance passively from their mother during pregnancy, the act of breastfeeding itself can be really tiring for mothers, especially when they’re already feeling run-down from the constant attention that newborns need.

    This can be a reason for mothers to turn to alternatives, such as formula milk. However, the phrase “breast is best” is used to remind new mothers of the benefits of natural breastfeeding. It’s repeated time and time again but for good reason.

    Dr. Jay Hoecker gave his professional advice to The Mayo Clinic. He explained that: “Commercial infant formulas don’t contain the immunity-boosting elements of breast milk that only your body can provide to your baby. For most babies, breast milk is also easier to digest than formula.”

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    He doesn’t discredit the use of formula milk completely, however. He said, “When prepared as directed, however, infant formula supports healthy babies who have typical dietary needs.”

    Whilst the mother in the story perhaps doesn’t disagree with the science behind breastfeeding, she did struggle with the pain and alludes that she had health conditions that affected her even before pregnancy. Although almost all mothers experience pain in the first weeks of breastfeeding, it shouldn’t be constant.

    For those in the same situation, Dr. Jay Hoecker said, “If you’re struggling, ask a lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor for help. If your baby’s doctor is concerned that your baby isn’t receiving adequate nutrition or hydration, he or she might suggest pumping and supplementing with expressed breast milk or formula.”

    People have weighed in on the situation regarding breastfeeding but also the husband’s attitude

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    Innes M.

    Innes M.

    Writer, Community member

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    Innes is a writer at Bored Panda. His work combines his passion for the weird and wonderful with helping others on their mission to learn. Outside of work, he loves exploring all kinds of music and will often listen to a new album every day.

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    Innes M.

    Innes M.

    Writer, Community member

    Innes is a writer at Bored Panda. His work combines his passion for the weird and wonderful with helping others on their mission to learn. Outside of work, he loves exploring all kinds of music and will often listen to a new album every day.

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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    Otter
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She should make a deal with the hubby. She will agree to resume the painful breast feeding, as long as he keeps a clothespin or alligator clamp on one his own nipples for the duration of each feeding.

    Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can breastfeed without pain and with enough milk, great, go ahead. If not, use formula and don't torture yourself. A baby should be fed in peace and you can't do that if your nipples feel like they get shredded. When I was born over 40 years ago and the generation of my parents, almost no one was breastfeeding their babies because doctors recommended formula. And guess what, most people my age and up also don't have allergies and do get along with their mothers. But yes, breastfeeding is better, but definitely not a huge advantage over formula (even if everything works just fine). It is also really hard to say if it is just the breastfeeding or if there are other factors involved. (People who breastfeed their babies tend to have more time, a better education and a higher income and probably also live in a less polluted area than poorer people, who often have to get back to work asap after giving birth.)

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I switched to bottle for my baby's health (all foremilk no hindmilk). He flourished. Yes it's the husband's child too, but it's also hers, and her boobs as well. If he was concerned he could have perhaps looked into breast milk banks or something idk, if she was ok with that. Nursing is hard, exhausting, and adding to that her pain I would have done the same thing

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    Otter
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She should make a deal with the hubby. She will agree to resume the painful breast feeding, as long as he keeps a clothespin or alligator clamp on one his own nipples for the duration of each feeding.

    Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can breastfeed without pain and with enough milk, great, go ahead. If not, use formula and don't torture yourself. A baby should be fed in peace and you can't do that if your nipples feel like they get shredded. When I was born over 40 years ago and the generation of my parents, almost no one was breastfeeding their babies because doctors recommended formula. And guess what, most people my age and up also don't have allergies and do get along with their mothers. But yes, breastfeeding is better, but definitely not a huge advantage over formula (even if everything works just fine). It is also really hard to say if it is just the breastfeeding or if there are other factors involved. (People who breastfeed their babies tend to have more time, a better education and a higher income and probably also live in a less polluted area than poorer people, who often have to get back to work asap after giving birth.)

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I switched to bottle for my baby's health (all foremilk no hindmilk). He flourished. Yes it's the husband's child too, but it's also hers, and her boobs as well. If he was concerned he could have perhaps looked into breast milk banks or something idk, if she was ok with that. Nursing is hard, exhausting, and adding to that her pain I would have done the same thing

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