Though it is literally nobody's business whether Khloé Kardashian is breastfeeding her daughter, True Thompson, the reality star put any speculation about her methods to rest by opening up on the realities of being a new mom and the challenges of feeding a newborn.
"Because I don’t produce enough milk, I also have to give a bottle with every feeding," Kardashian wrote in a recent post on her app about a particular bottle she loves. "With the formula I use, I have to give True the bottle within 30 minutes of making it, so it’s amazing to have this machine make it for me. It’s super easy to use—and fast, so when I'm exhausted and can’t even keep my eyes open in the middle of the night, it’s a total lifesaver."
There are many possible reasons why someone might experience a low milk supply.
Some of those reasons include waiting too long to start breastfeeding, not breastfeeding often enough, or having certain medical conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
As SELF wrote previously, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months. And if you're experiencing a low milk supply, there are ways to try to boost it. But, ultimately, the decision to opt for one feeding method or another (or both!) is up to the parent. And, for some, breastfeeding alone or at all just isn't the best option.
Whether a parent chooses to breastfeed is rarely the black-and-white decision it's often made out to be. Breastfed babies can also drink bottles of formula. And predominantly formula-fed babies can also breastfeed from time to time, especially is breastfeeding was established first. Sometimes babies need more milk than what's coming out during breastfeeding sessions. Other times, a parent just might not be into breastfeeding and wants to keep it to a minimum. As long as you're checking in with your pediatrician regarding your feeding routine, you can choose what is best for you and your baby.
Of course, formula is fair game whether you decide to breastfeed or not.
Breastfeeding is complicated, and it's ultimately a very individual decision. It can be painful and surprisingly expensive to maintain. And, sadly, there's still a stigma around doing it in public. There's also a certain level of "mommy shaming" associated with women who may not have a perfect experience with it, which is why it's encouraging to see women in the public eye get real about their own imperfect experiences.
Even if breastfeeding hasn't been the easiest process for Kardashian and baby True, there is a part of motherhood that is really working for her: maintaining a routine. "The truth is, all babies do is eat, sleep, potty, REPEAT for weeks. I love a routine, so not going to lie, this works for me," she wrote in a separate post on her app. Though, she admits, "I can't wait for her to get a little older so we can explore all that her nursery has to offer!"
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