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To the mama who is struggling to breastfeed. To the mama whose baby has allergies or tummy troubles. To the mama who feels tethered to a breast pump. To the mama of a preemie… We see you wishing things could be different and still putting your baby’s needs first. In case anyone told you yet, that is the most mother-like act in the world. 

The truth is that feeding newborns comes with a steep learning curve—that changes from baby to baby. Even with all the preparation in the world, the reality of feeding a newborn can be quite different than expected. Whether you aim to breastfeed, plan to formula-feed or want to do a combination, babies have a way of having their own opinions about the matter and struggling to feed your baby is a more common experience than many anticipate.

That’s why, for so many new mamas, the first lesson that motherhood teaches us is how to be adaptable. When you’re expecting a baby, there are months and months filled with eager anticipation leading up to the birth. You try to picture who your baby will take after. You stock up on diapers. You take birth or newborn care classes. You maybe even try to sleep in a bit later on the weekends while you still can. (We highly recommend that last one!) 

But, despite all that preparation, there are simply some things that you won’t know until your baby arrives—and it can be hard when reality doesn’t go according to the plan you had in mind. 

Feeding, in particular, can be rife with challenges. From baby tummy troubles to difficulty breastfeeding, to refusing bottles, the “best” way to feed a baby can differ from family to family. Let that sink in for a minute. Despite what you may have thought before you met your baby, there is no right or wrong way to feed them. Rather, the true right way is doing what it takes to help them thrive. 

And, even if the reality of how you feed your baby doesn’t match up with what you imagined, here’s the good news: We live in a day and age when you don’t have to compromise to give your baby what they need. With a new, breakthrough formula, Similac 360 Total Care is designed to support babies’ brain health, immune systems and digestive health. It also has five HMO prebiotics structurally identical to those in breastmilk, making Similac 360 Total Care Similac’s closest alternative to breast milk. 

Similac TotalCare 2 - Motherly
Ready-to-Feed, 8-fl-oz Bottle

If your feeding journey is taking you on a different path than expected, know that you are in good company—and are already showing you have amazing instincts as a mama.

That’s why it’s okay…

Even if you have to change your expectations.

Even if you have to ask for help and guidance.

Even if you have to follow your baby’s lead.

Because, if you take one message to heart today, let it be this: Doing what’s best for your baby is a true display of strength. 

It can be humbling and even a bit frightening when feeding doesn’t go as expected. However, these are feelings that every parent experiences sooner or later (and multiple times after that). If anything, you should take pride in conquering this lesson in the early days—because that strain turns to strength and that only serves to make you an even more amazing mama. 

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