A breast pump is a tool. Used by many. Loved by lots.

Opinions. We all have them. We all seek them. And we all become offended by particular ones. But if we can resist the urge to become defensive when a family member, colleague, a store clerk, or a blogger starts spouting his or her truths, we could actually benefit from connecting with one another through our opinions.

Breast feeding always seems to be a topic rife and reeking with opinions—from experts, physicians, celebrities, third cousins, vaguely familiar around-the-block neighbors, that “judgy” mom-friend who always knows what’s best for you, even our own usually well-meaning but terribly vocal mothers.  And by extension, breast pumping gets a healthy corner of the now all-too-public conversation on how moms should best feed our babies.

As moms who contribute to a blog focused specifically on supporting, encouraging, and educating other moms who use breast pumps, of course we are biased. And we also have an opinion.

It goes like this: A breast pump is a tool. Used by many. Loved by lots.   

Also it goes like this: It’s in our basest motherly nature to do our earthly best for our children. A breast pump is a tool to help mothers do our personal, everyday best—whether that’s to provide our NICU babies with pumped milk, to find a way to satisfy a pair of “hangry” twins, to coax difficult nipples or help with a pesky latch, to establish a personal balance of booby time to me time, to collect a freezer full of reserves, or to create an opportunity for Dad to experience the magical intimacy of a midnight feed. There are opinions that suggest breast pumps interfere with the nature of nursing. That they are damaging in some way. But it is our opinion that a mother knows what’s best and natural for herself and her baby in their specific circumstances.

And then it continues like this: A breast pump is a tool for you. Your situation—your personal, everyday best—is precisely that. Personal. Unique.  Constantly changing. And we think that it’s fortunate to have access to a helpful tool—when, if, and how it’s helpful. Don’t worry about prevailing opinions, know-it-all bloggers, or bossy mom-friends who “should” all over you. You are a mama doing your best for your precious baby. And only you know what works best for babe and boob and you.

So the next time you read an article spouting the cons (or pros) of utilizing a breast pump—take it in as a perspective outside your own and consider that it might provide some helpful information.

Whenever you’re audience to someone evangelizing the benefits of exclusively breast-feeding your child, find it in yourself to congratulate her for doing her personal, everyday best for her kiddo. And mean it.

Then if ever your find yourself challenged to provide an explanation for how and why and what you feed your child use this opportunity to practice the motherly art of gracefully standing your ground. “Yes, I use a breast pump.” No further explanation necessary. No defensive rambling about latch issues due to your oddly inverted nipples need follow. Acknowledge. Smile. Move on. You do your personal best everyday for your baby. And only you know what that means.

Now you can take all the noisy opinions as interesting fodder for conversation or a provocation to learn something new or as marvel on how we experience life and its struggles differently. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just opinions.

And from a group of moms who have seemingly experienced it all and seek to guide new mamas in their experiences without judgment let us leave you with one last opinion: You’re doing an admirable job giving your little one your boundless love, energy, and nourishment and you’re doing it exactly the best way for you.

*This blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children.