Bringing home a newborn baby is so incredibly difficult. One day, you’re living for yourself doing what you want on your schedule, and then it all changes. When your baby comes, you are now their everything, and for some moms, their bodies, quite literally, keep their infants alive. Breastfeeding is a journey, and it can be both challenging and rewarding. It’s essential for the people in a breastfeeding mom’s life to love and support her as she navigates this new season.
A new mom shared her story in Reddit’s parenting sub about something hurtful her dad said to her, and now she’s doubting herself as a mom.
“I am visiting my parents this week and my dad made the comment, isn’t it crazy that he only loves you for your milk? I was a bit shocked, and said, well that sure isn’t very nice! And he said, it’s true,” the original poster wrote.
Her baby is just 8 weeks old, and her father’s comment stung. She asked Redditors for their opinions.
“So, do you think that’s true? That a baby would only love his mother for meeting his need of being fed? I have to disagree, and believe there are many other reasons my baby would have feelings of love for me. Or am I just being hopeful?” she wrote.
It’s no surprise the Reddit community had OP’s back without question. Some pointed out her dad’s ignorance regarding the mother-and-baby relationship.
“You’re his entire world, basically. That comment is stupid,” one person wrote.
“Your baby literally thinks he is you for at least a good few months,” someone else agreed. “He doesn’t understand yet that you’re separate beings, that’s how much he’s connected to you.”
“Your dad’s comment was unnecessary and wrong. At 8 weeks, babies absolutely form attachments beyond feeding. They recognize your voice, smell, and face. They feel safe in your arms,” another person commented. “The bond is much deeper than just milk. Don’t let his comment get to you, you’re not just a food source to your baby.”
One Redditor replied to OP with a poignant response.
“Respectfully… No actually not respectfully. Your dad is an ah that doesn’t know wtf he’s talking about. Your baby spent 9 months growing inside of you and you’re their person,” the person wrote. “You’re more than just a food source. You’re their whole being and essence. Tell your dad I said he can go stand in the corner until he can learn to say something nice and constructive.”
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