Maya Vorderstrasse, a blogger known for being honest about the realities of motherhood on Instagram, has been praised for posting a powerful picture where she shows there's no right way to feed a baby.
The Instagram star posted a snap of herself simultaneously breastfeeding her almost two-month-old daughter, Hazel, while also formula feeding her 13-month-old daughter, Zoey.
In the caption, Maya explained how the guilt 'consumed' her when she stopped being able to breastfeed her first daughter after her milk dried up.
'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,' she wrote.
'I breastfed my first daughter until she was 6 months old, and I loved all of it. It was our time together, so special...and no one could take that from me. I got pregnant when she was 2 months old and by the time she was almost 6 months old, 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.'
But then the mum goes on to describe how she had the light bulb moment when she realised she was still having her time with her daughter, and she was still being 'fed' and 'loved'.
'Nnothing 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 she's breastfeeding her youngest daughter, Maya says she won't let herself feel guilty or inadequate if she has to stop.
'Now I breastfeed my youngest, but the comfort 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. Feeding them is beautiful. Providing for them, seeing them gain weight, grow and smile and be milk drunk makes my heart jump in happiness,' she said.
'So I don't know about your journey, but I can tell you that 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. Whatever your feeding routine consists of, it is hard being a mother, so let's show support for each other! To me, fed is best.'
Many fans took to the comments section to praise the mum, sharing their own experiences of feeding their babies and encountering difficulties.
'This is the most beautiful, and truthful thing i have read all day. Thank you for this', one wrote.
Another commented: 'I had feeding issues from the get go with my oldest, went to bottles exclusively by 4mos. I made a choice early on to bottle feed my now 2 month old & what you said is exactly right - the bond is still there. We're still nourishing, loving, bonding with our babies no matter what. A healthy mama & healthy baby are the most important things we can ask for. Love everything about this. ❤️'
A third agreed: 'This is such a beautiful photo and message. FED IS BEST, whether that be from a breast or bottle. I have been fortunate enough to nurse both of my babes, and I know not EVERY woman can do so. It's been a blessing to say the least. You seem like an amazing mother ♡'
Do you suffer with 'mum guilt'? This is how to tackle it, for good
Michelle Heaton faces backlash after opening up about mum guilt
Fearne Cotton opens up about mum guilt and the importance of finding time for yourself
'I feel really guilty' Nadia Sawalha opens up about not protecting her children enough from the Internet
Giovanna Fletcher reveals son Buzz made her cry by saying he wants her to 'play' more
Rochelle Humes opens up about ‘mum guilt’ after revealing relatable parenting dilemma
Could you be suffering from 'mumxiety'? How one mum spotted the signs
A big sign doesn't fall from the sky saying 'BAD MUM ALERT'! How I chose myself over mum guilt
