The F Word

When I mention "the F word" you probably think of one thing. Shame on you. Your mother should wash your mouth out with soap!

After a discussion with another mom the other day the F word means something new to me. Formula. It can be a dirty and bad word to some moms who are almost militant about breastfeeding and its benefits. Let me say that if I could exclusively breastfeed and/or give Adele pumped breastmilk I would, but it just wasn't in the cards for us. Therefore, I have been feeding her formula after each nursing session since I am not producing enough to satisfy my growing little girl's appetite and have not had time to pump as a temporary single mom. When faced with deciding between eating, napping, showering, doing small chores around the house, or pumping during my "free time" (what's that?!) I tend to try to sleep or eat before anything else.

I heard talk about how some moms can guilt others into feeling bad about certain things, but thought nothing of it until Adele arrived. I did get a taste of this wonderful habit of other parents while I was pregnant. Heck, even some non-parents gave me advice regarding pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. I am trying to ask for advice and help from other parents now, but at the same time ignore the negative and seemingly judgemental advice and comments. Not everyone has the perfect situation where they have help 24-7, can pump at the necessary times, have one parent stay at home fulltime, or actually make dinner and eat something more substantial than crackers and applesauce.

Adele is growing like a weed and changing every day it seems and we are establishing a pretty good routine and schedule so I have a few more F words for you. Faith, Adele and Fred are frickin' fantastic.