[HopeWishWait]

I tried to write this on facebook to you all but it wouldn't let me post it So I guess I have to do it here which I really didn't want to do. I am starting to see why JM and facebook do not mix. I understand that that website is the place for people to share their opinions and that's great. But honestly, the articles and posts about (and these are just the first 3 that come to mind) how I am less intelligent for not breastfeeding, how Conner's going to come down with some God forsaken illness because I didn't breastfeed, or (and this is the best one) how I can not possible have a close bond with him because I did not breastfeed...these really 1) Hurt and 2) ******** piss me off to no end. I know you all are great mothers, absolutely no doubt. But guess what? So am I. My son is healthy, well-fed, happy, and bright. And that makes me just as good a mom as any one of you. So I've come to realize I just do not fit in with you girls any more. I'm going to remove everyone from facebook (NOT because all of you are doing this, the majority do not and please don't think I'm angry with you) and probably take a very very extended break from JM. I'll be checking up on Grads once in a while and I wish nothing but the best for all of you no matter what stage of the journey you are on. <3

Edit- I wanted to add something to clarify myself: I am not saying I am against breastfeeding, I most certainly support it and if that's your choice for your family that's wonderful. I am not complaining about the act of breastfeeding itself..but the way that those who do treat those of us who do not.

[~*sierra*~]

i dont do the facebook anymore so i dont really know what it is like, but i'd imagine it can be overwhelming knowing what is on everyone's mind at any given moment.

i think you are a great mom and i will miss you around here! come back soon please!

[♥Ashley♥]

Im so sorry Cait.... I really wish you werent going, no one should ever be made to feel like they are any less of a mother for not doing certain things.

(((((HUGS))))) I'll definitely miss you!

[Trannyfromtheuk]

oh no, Im sorry you feel like you have to leave us, You will be greatly missed and welcomed back with open arms when you decided your time is right to come back. And i hope that time isnt too far away.

Can I just say; Mia was FF and she is pretty darn tootin clever. BF and FF is a choice just like everything else us as parents have to make to do whats best for our child.
If FF was so bad they wouldnt be allowed to sell it. (thats the way i see it)

Can I Just add.... your a fantastic mommy

[sara~b]

I'm not sure who would have said those things but I really hope it wasn't a grad. I 100% support BF'ing but I also FF'ed Gemma so I will NOT judge anyone! I hope you come back soon!

[LisanAndy]

You're an amazing mommy Caitlyn! FF is just fine... Taylor was exclusively FF and is at a 3 year old's learning level. I heart you oodles of noodles but you know that

[Adriana's Mommy]

Wow.. This upsets me.. I'm so tired of hearing stories about people mistreating moms who don't breast feed.. My daughter was formula fed and she's vary smart and not fat! lol I was going through my old videos of my daughter and at the age of 12 months old, she could go and pick out a book I asked for.. It wasn't like it was on top of the book pile, it was on the bottom, so she had to look for it.. Not bad I guess for a formula fed baby.. lol

I did learn from my Pediatrician that DHA is found in breast milk, but not in high amounts.. Unless the mother consumes fish everyday.. For example: Asians have 10 times more DHA in breast milk then Americans because Americans don't eat that much fish.... Formula meets in the middle.. Does that make sense? Why do you think Asians tend to score higher on tests,etc? I know it's a stereotype, just an example my Ped told me..

Sorry for ranting.. This upsets me.. Your doing a great job raising your child, don't let anyone try to make you feel bad..

Oh, I don't think I'm on your FB, but if I was I would chime in and stick up for you..

[IamMom]

Oh Cait...I wish you wouldn't leave either ....I don't do alot on FB (I actually share an acct with hubby cause I'm not really that into it)....but if I saw any of this going on I would stand up too...I wasn't a huge bf'er and my kids are primarily (were) formula fed....and its a fine choice...your an awesome mom.

I agree that JM does seem to have more people who speak up emphatically about BF'ing and more AP style parenting than traditional parenting...but there are alot of us on here who are proud of our traditional parenting choices - like vaccinating on a non-delayed schedule, not co-sleeping, and formula feeding......and I am one of them. I try to be proud and to say that I am proud of my choices. I have happy, healthy well adjusted kids and I feel like what I'm doing is right for my family ... you should too hun.

At least from what I've seen the grads board here doesn't bash moms who make these choices and I just stay away from boards or threads that are kind of bashing in their approach of the subject.

Please don't go....

[midnight_starr]

I'm not sure whats going on on FB with all this, but I actually feel that the grads board is one of the non judgemental group of women around most of JM!!! I feel like we are all respected in our choices here.. I'm sorry that someone has made you feel otherwise! I wish you wouldn't leave over this.. You are a great mother!!!

[greeneyes]

What the crap! Who's beating up on my Caitlyn??

[fromGirltoMommy]

I am shocked to the say the least. I hope nothing I have said on FB has offened you in ANY way! I know I can go over board with my GO BOOBS, and what not but thats cuz Im proud of it. In no way do I look down upon those who ff. I know its all choice. And both are great for baby. You are an amazing mother to Conner, and we ALL know that. Im truly am sorry that someone made you feel that way, and possibly said those hurtful things to you cuz in no way are any of them true! We all love you Cait, and will miss you. Hopefully your break wont be for long, and youll be back with us ASAP!

[**jessie**]

I'm sorry Caitlyn. I do see your point though. The idea that bf babies are smarter is a load of BS. 3 IQ points higher is nothing... I mean, a regular person will have their IQ vary by 3 points on a day to day basis. In my opinion, the people that talk most about their 'style' of parenting are the most insecure. You are a great mommy and Conner is lucky to have you.

[Nami]

Ugh, I really hate when ladies who FF are put down! I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. My son was purely FF and there is nothing wrong with him, he's VERY small, was even walking at 8months, and he's only been sick once his whole life and it was just a small stuffy nose.

[Chelnae6]

Who the heck did it/said it?

I was FF and I came out fine. I'm smart, beautiful and successful. I'm a freakin Engineer and that wasnt thanks to no dag-on formula. Thats called genes, parenting and my gifted interest in math, science and problem solving.

I see this issue arising a lot in PRs though and I dont get it. I dont get how someone can say "oh you dont love your child or you're not a good mother because you dont use the boob or do what I (that particular person) do" WHAT kind of sense does that make. As long as the baby is fed, who cares if it comes from a human, a cow, a goat, a river, etc. As long as the baby isnt being neglected, WHO CARES!!!

I'm sorry you're going thru this. I cant think of anyone here who'd criticize your decision, I havent seen those type of debates here (which is why I love this board... different mothers and different styles of parenting without citicism). I hope you come back and join us again and please keep us updated on yourself and Conner!

[faith*hope*love]

I am so sorry that someone said things like that to you. I hate to see you go, I really hope you decide to come back soon. We had quite a bit in common so I am really going to miss you! I obviously have no experience on bf and ff but I know my nephew was ff and he is smart as a tack and has been for quite a while, and honestly I will prob end up ff too so don't feel like you are the only one!

[Angelaosaurus-rex]

Caitlyn F them. Keep up the good work because you are doing a great job!!! ((HUGS))

I am confused, but I love ya and will see you on facebook! You know how I feel about BF pushers. It is almost laughable how much JM departs from reality. Join some mommy groups in your area and breath in the sweet goodness of reality you will find there. JM is a conservative, Pro-natural childbirth, Pro-BFing, non-vaccing, CDing, AP mom's wet dream. You can be hard pressed to find large groups of women like that irl, but there is a plethora of them rocking out JM. Needless to say, i don't always exactly fit in. BUT I love that I have made friends with some awesome ladies that fit in with its target demographic - something I may not have done irl. Still, it can be difficult when you feel like your parenting choices are just being constantly judged. I still have you on FB though! You can NEVER get rid of me! Muaha

[ScottishBrit]

Nooooooooooooooooooo we have to have our meet up this summer I dont want you to leave or leave me on FB...Im sorry you feel this way. I BF Cambria but seriously had the hardest time with it so much that I dont plan on doing it this time. I get crap for it EVERY TIME I say that. And I dont care. I still know that IM doing whats best for the new baby. There are other girls here to that didn't BF and there babys are just fine. Please dont go...

[SandKmommy]

Originally Posted by Angelaosaurus-rex

Caitlyn F them. Keep up the good work because you are doing a great job!!! ((HUGS))

I wasn't on your fb, and not sure what happened. But even though I'm all for BFing its your child and your choice, all my friends FF and their babies are perfectly healthy, normal and smart(heck my friends 9.5mo old is already free standing and my 11mo old isn't!)

Originally Posted by MomToJack

Still, it can be difficult when you feel like your parenting choices are just being constantly judged.

double almost all of mine are (non-circing...not by choice either i've herd some choice words on that, and the fact that we vac on schedule...and you know what...we partically CIO i don't mention it often cause people get all uppity)

oh so someone said something dumb on FB?