"Why are you breastfeeding? Formula is the same thing."
That was what I got today in line at the grocery store checkout. The conversation started with bananas, and progressed through each of us having new babies, and ended with that question.
What can I even say to that? I have done the research. I have hundreds of facts, figures and studies to quote that say otherwise, but in that moment, I didn't feel like I normally do, like a crusading boobie-educator. I felt personally attacked. Maybe, at three months post-partum, the hormones are still raging. I don't know exactly why I wanted to slap her in the face. Instead I just smiled politely and pretended to dig in my purse. Then, a surprise...
"Well, I can see where formula would be too expensive for some families."
Really? You can tell that much about my family from a ninety second conversation? Get over yourself. But I just nodded.
I didn't just want to slap her in the face then, I wanted to kick her. After all, even if she was correct in her assumption, it is widely accepted that paying less for an acceptable alternative is a frugal and wise choice. Barring the beautiful minds that run the American government, it is nearly universally accepted that paying less for a BETTER product is always the best choice. Regardless of the fact that it is none of your business, the amount of money flowing through my household will NEVER dictate the care my children receive.
If you choose to formula-feed your children, I applaud you. You have weighed the options and made your decision in the best interest of your child. So have I, and we will likely both have very healthy children. With that said, please keep your unsolicited opinions to yourself.
