Is It Really Important?

I was home for the 4th of July, and got asked if I had nursed my youngest, Kensi. I answered it without really thinking (I didn’t nurse, but I did pump), but I got to thinking about it later. Why is it important to know how I fed my daughter?  Shouldn’t it be enough to know I fed my girls and they’re healthy and happy? I see this question get asked A LOT and I guess I don’t get it. I am guilty of asking the question myself, and usually the reason why is to know that Im not alone in the non-nursing group. I felt bad that I didn’t nurse the girls because there’s a lot of pressure to and you hear everywhere that BM is so much better for babies than formula. It’s a little insane the amount of personal questions that get asked when you’re pregnant or have had a baby. But I do understand the why of it to a point. A lot of the time, I hesitate a little before answering. Because I know whatever answer I give, there will always be a follow up question. Usually it’s “how long?” or “pump or nurse” or something like that. With both girls, I always had enough stored to be able to give them BM for a few months after I quit pumping.
I had no problems switching to formula when the milk ran out. I knew it wouldn’t last until they were able to eat solid foods, and I was ok with that. A few months after Isabelle was born, we went to my in-laws for a visit. One of their friends was visiting and she asked if I was breast feeding or giving formula. When I said I was breast feeding, she goes “oh thank God, formula is poison and Im so glad you’re not giving your baby that!” or something to that effect. I didn’t say anything much, but Im thinking what a way to make someone feel bad if they have to give the baby formula. No offense to anyone, but formula is not the devil. If it was bad for the baby, they wouldn’t make it. Granted, BM is better because it helps with immunity and things like that, but formula gives the nourishment that babies need. Last time I checked, that was important too.
Both of my girls are well passed the formula stage, but we still have the “third child door” open. If we do have that 3rd child, Im still going to answer the questions of BM vs formula, but im going to be asking myself why the need to know. And if we do need to get formula, Im not going to feel bad about it. All you need to know is that Im feeding my child whatever is needed to be healthy and happy… how about we leave it at that?