Breast Is Not Always Best? Why This Mom Says She Regrets Breastfeeding

Moms nursing their newborn babies are widely encouraged to breastfeed. Hospital staff and medical experts push this as the more acceptable choice than formula feeding. One mom, however, has spoken against breastfeeding, believing that breast is not always best.

Maddi Carter from Australia admitted she regretted breastfeeding her daughter. She and her husband Lloyd Wright welcomed their girl, Marlowe, in October and she stopped breastfeeding a few weeks after the baby turned four months.

She wrote in an Instagram post that she felt generally better after ending breastfeeding. "I have more energy. I actually have gaps where bub is NOT on my body so I get to miss him a little," she said. "I have more time for my other son. I am more affectionate towards my husband."

Carter revealed breastfeeding made her uncomfortable about her body. It forced her to stay at home more than go out as there was too much to fuss about in public, such as her leaks.

Carter expressed her opinion might receive negative reactions and criticisms, especially from breastfeeding advocates. She, however, defended that there are plenty of ways to being a good mom.

She said, ultimately, the goal of a good mom is to ensure both she and her baby are healthy and happy, as per Huffington Post. Turning to bottle-feeding also gave her husband more time to bond with their baby.

I wish I never breastfed my baby. A strong statement and many would disagree but here's why... 3 weeks post stopping breastfeeding with my 4 month old I am a completely different person. I'm a better mum and better wife. I have more energy. I actually have gaps where bub is NOT on my body so I get to miss him a little. I have more time for my other son. I am more affectionate towards my husband. I don't dread going out in public. I enjoy my clothes again as I'm not leaking everywhere or having to wear uncomfortable maternity bras. I'm able to leave the house by myself without getting anxiety. I'm able to go to the gym again. I know I will cop alot of negative comments about this post but I think its important for mums to know that they have choices. There are so many different ways to be a mum. But what many mums forget is that MUM HAS TO BE HAPPY TOO. #breastfeeding #bottlefed #mum #baby

A post shared by Maddi & Lloyd (@maddi_and_lloyd) on Mar 8, 2017 at 2:38am PST

The benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby are scientifically backed by years of research. Yet breastfeeding is not always easy, especially for first-time moms.

Aside from the pain, mothers can develop different physical discomforts such as cracked nipples, clogged ducts, mastitis or bacterial infection, according to The Bump. Babies can develop thrush or suffer from low milk supply.

Recently, a mother also opened up about her problems with breastfeeding. Her case, however, was unfortunate as her newborn infant died from organ breakdown due to malnutrition because he wasn't getting enough milk, as Parent Herald reported.