Expectations and Goals

Baby Eden at 9 days old. She's so long

I was told from the start of my pregnancy not to make unrealistic expectations and goals for myself. For instance, I planned to have a vaginal birth with no medication whatsoever. When I told people that this was what I wanted for myself, they immediately told me, "You shouldn't make expectations like that because if it doesn't happen the way that you like, you'll be disappointed." I understood where they were coming from but I didn't understand why wouldn't you if that was something that you wanted to achieve for yourself. There may be mishaps, however if you really set out for what you want, you'll reach it. I've always been the type of person that if I say something, I'll follow through with what I want to achieve. 

 She sleeps well in her monkey pj's

One of  my goals that I set for myself is to solely breastfeed my baby at my breast for a month after that month, I am open to nursing her in a variety of methods-at breast, pumping milk, supplementing with formula if needed, etc. I didn't want to introduce formula or the bottle just yet unless she was underfed or if doctors insist on that action in my case. Sounds reasonable right? So far it's almost been 2 weeks and I've been doing well with her. Although it is tiresome and there is lack of sleep involved when I'm nursing her around the clock but I knew what I wanted. I wanted the mother-daughter bonding experience and the benefits of breastfeeding. Many people have said that my actions is not reasonable.I've heard that I'll get worn out and that baby is not getting enough vitamins and nutrients from breast milk alone, therefore I should supplement with formula. I don't mind supplementing with formula if I am not well or eating right but I know that I'm healthy and the food I intake supplies my baby and I with the necessary food groups for optimal function.


Again, if I choose to listen to people, I may never reach my goal. I have to politely tell those that insist I change my ways that I know what I am doing as a mother and let them know that this is what I want for my baby. So far, the baby is doing well. She has her growth spurt moments right now and is taking in a lot of milk. What I'm trying to say is that expectations and goals are great to set yourself to achieve what you expect for yourself. You know yourself better than the next person so if you're struggling to achieve a goal for yourself and those around you are pushing you down, kindly explain why you choose to do what you do and that's that. I am enjoying the time that I'm nursing my Baby Eden. It's a completely surreal experience to hold your baby in your arms and look at her as she depends so much on you. Life as a mother is amazing!