Dr. Laura:
I had a full-time successful career before I decided to quit to stay home to raise our five-month-old daughter. You often talk about breastfeeding as one of the many reasons why staying at home with your baby is important. I had every intention of exclusively breastfeeding prior to her birth, but I was unable to pump enough milk for her. Now she is on formula only.
I still believe, however, that we share important bonding every time she eats. Each time I feed her a bottle, we grow a little closer. I love the cuddles we share and the joy in her face every time she eats. At first, I thought it was such a waste that I wasn't working and not breastfeeding since there are so many moms who breastfeed successfully but then go back to work and struggle. I have since realized that it's just as important that I'm the one providing her with feedings even if they're coming from a bottle filled with formula. Her meals are an important bonding time for us together, so this isn't a task I should be handing over to hired help. I certainly wouldn't hire someone to sit down with my daughter and husband for dinner every night to replace me!
My husband loves that I stay home with our daughter, and he always tells me how important this is to our family. Even though we have been budgeting carefully, he says it's important we continue to keep our SiriusXM subscription current so I can keep listening to you! You have influenced my decision to be a proud stay-at-home Mom, and I'm discovering it to be one of my greatest achievements in life.
Agnes
