'I felt my heart shatter, and the guilt consumed me'
Many mums decide upon their feeding choices before their little one comes along.
Others wait until they arrive to figure out what they or baby is more comfortable with.
It's a big choice for any parent, an important decision for you and your child – and many will give their unwavering opinion on what your course of action should be.
However, here at MagicMum, we're firm believers it's each to their own.
Nonetheless, a photograph posted by mum, Maya Vorderstrasse, has epitomised why no one decision is the right one.
Mum uploaded a photo with both her daughters in her arms, one feeding from the breast, the other feeding from a bottle.
The beautiful picture tells the story of Maya's feeding decisions for her kids and it's heartwarming to know that nothing has changed for her on her journey.
"I always dreamed I would breastfeed my child as long as I could. I've seen so many beautiful and amazing journeys through the bonding and comforting experience that it is."
Breastfeeding was a wonderful time for Maya, feeding her first-born for six months; but the mum had become pregnant again when the tot was just two-months-old, and the process became more difficult.
"My milk was gone, dried up, like, it disappeared. I felt my heart shatter, and the guilt consumed me."
"We had to start bottle feeding and I thought our bond would disappear and that she would think I was not providing for her," commented Maya.
However, the mum came to the realisation soon after, that nothing had changed: "It was still our time, she'd still grab my hair and smile at me with her eyes. She was so happy. Fed. Loved."
"Now I breastfeed my youngest, but the comfort is of knowing that if life throws me a curved ball and I have to stop, or even if I decide to stop, she will be OK."
The mum-of-two has realised that the most important part of the journey is providing for her children and watching them grow, urging mums not to feel guilty about their decisions.
"Whatever your choice or circumstance, don't ever feel guilty or like you are inadequate. Ever. Just love them and do the best you can. You're a rockstar. No. Matter. What."
Because this mum knows what works for you, may not necessarily work for someone else, you need to put you and your family first.
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