A while back, I wrote about the decision not to breastfeed my second baby. I remember feeling so much guilt, but at the same time, I knew deep down it was the right decision for me. I just couldn't do it again. Fast forward to today, and that baby I didn't even know yet is now four months old and has been fully formula-fed since birth. Of course, I still have moments where I question myself, especially when he's had some tummy troubles. Mom guilt has a funny way of making us wonder if we made the right choice. But every time I think about it, I come back to the same conclusion: I truly believe my postpartum experience would have been just as hard, if not harder, if I had breastfed. Choosing what was best for my mental health allowed me to be the best mom I could be for both of my children, and I don't regret that.

One thing that has surprised me over these last four months is how often people ask, "Are you breastfeeding?" At first, I always felt like I had to explain myself. My answer was never just "no"...it was followed by a long explanation of why I wasn't, almost as if I needed permission or approval for my decision. But somewhere along the way, that changed. Now when someone asks, I simply say, "No, I'm not," and leave it at that. Because the truth is, I don't owe anyone an explanation for making the decision that was best for me and my baby.

So if you need this reminder, YOU DON"T HAVE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF. Whether it's how you feed your baby or any other parenting decision, you don't have to justify doing what works best for your family. 

That is all. xo