Dear Sweet Mama,

I know you care so deeply about your precious baby.

No matter what others might say, you want the best for your child, and formula feeding may be what fits into this equation.

Whether by choice or because of circumstances out of your control, formula is helping give your baby the best start at life.

What breastmilk couldn’t provide for your baby, formula has helped ensure that your child will continue to get the nourishment needed to grow and thrive.

You are a good mama because you care.

Maybe you had to go back to work to help provide for your family, and formula helped fill the gaps while you were apart from your baby.

Maybe you have been separated from your baby due to work, travel, family issues, or illness.

Maybe the stressors in your life have made breastfeeding difficult. Or breastfeeding was just not compatible with your mental health and sanity.

Maybe you were not able to make enough breastmilk for your baby and needed to supplement with formula.

Whatever the reason, you have been able to use formula to feed your baby. And guess what?

You are not any less of a mom because you are feeding your baby formula.

While breastfeeding may not have worked out the way you wanted it to, that doesn’t make you any less of a mother.

You are not a failure. You are not a bad mother. Your baby is not going to suffer or be at a disadvantage.

I know that you will hear different messages - both from the critic inside your head and the people around you.

You may feel ashamed and less of a mother, simply because you are not breastfeeding.

You may feel guilty that you couldn’t provide breastmilk to your baby.

You deserve to feel proud of the baby you are nurturing and the mother you are, regardless of how you are feeding them. Just because your baby is not getting milk from your body does not mean there is any shortage of love pouring out from your heart.

Your ability to mother is not based on your capacity to produce milk.

Know this, mama.

Formula is ensuring that your baby is getting what they need to grow healthy and strong.

Formula is providing food security for your baby, who can trust that they will be fed what they need.

Formula is giving other caregivers the opportunity to feed your baby when you can’t be there.

That is what makes you a good mom - making sure that your child’s needs are taken care of in a loving, nurturing way.

Don’t ever think any less or let anyone make you feel inferior.

You are a good mama. So pick up that bottle and set down your guilt and fears. You and your sweet baby are going to thrive.