I'm on baby number three and have never worried about the feeding wars - breast v bottle. First was combi fed expressed breast milk and formula. Second was exclusively breast fed and third is now exclusively bottle fed.
For me fed is best and always will be.
I'm feeling a lot of judgment this time around because I successfully breast fed my second child it was assumed by family, friends and health professionals that of course number three would also be breastfed. In all honesty that was the plan, but with three kids under four it was impossible to sustain without becoming a terrible sleep deprived and impatient parent to my older two. The experienced parent in me said something has to give and we have all been happier since the change.
I've noticed a lot of raised eyebrows from exclusively breastfeeding moms in my circle and I want to jump in and say "hello! I have three dependant kids at home all day every day needing me for everything!" But I'm not remotely confrontational and don't know whether to just ride it out and be happy in the knowledge that I made the right decision for our family and it's no body else's business.
Is it unreasonable to defend my choice? Or am I potentially still incredibly sleep deprived and have my hackles up and maybe seeing judgement where it doesn't exist? I've never felt it before so maybe I am tired, or defensive. The last thing I want to do is upset people but the judgemental looks are upsetting me too.