“Why don’t you just pump?”

 “Why don’t you just pump?”

Because I don’t want to.
Because my baby prefers me.
Because I tried and it didn’t work.
Because I don’t need to explain my choices to anyone.

I am allowed to feed my baby where I want, how I want.
Some babies don’t take bottles.
Some moms don’t respond to pumps.
Some days, I barely have time to breathe, let alone wash parts and prep milk.

So if it makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay.
You’re free to look the other way.
But I’ll still be here, feeding my baby the way we were meant to.
Without shame. Without apology.
Because this is our journey. And we’re doing just fine.