Madison LeCroy’s Formula Feeding Journey: Breaking Stigmas and Finding What Works

“Southern Charm” star Madison LeCroy is standing firmly in her parenting choices, particularly when it comes to feeding her newborn daughter Teddi, who arrived six weeks early this June. Unlike with her 12-year-old son Hudson, LeCroy’s milk never came in after Teddi’s birth, leaving formula feeding as her only option. “It was a no-brainer for me,” she explained in a recent interview with The Post. “I didn’t beat myself up too much about not being able to breastfeed… You go through the period where you’re sad you couldn’t do it. But then at the end of the day, it’s what had to happen.” This pragmatic approach reflects the reality that many mothers face when breastfeeding isn’t possible, despite societal pressure suggesting there’s only one “right way” to feed a baby.

After careful research into the best formula options, LeCroy ultimately chose Bobbie, an organic European-style formula that was actually recommended by her husband Brett Randle, who received the suggestion from his large family with multiple children. Her decision was influenced by learning about the stricter regulations on European formulas, which typically contain fewer artificial ingredients and more nutrients than some American counterparts. “I did tons of research trying to find something that modeled breast milk itself,” LeCroy shared, noting her initial interest in European formulas that mandate DHA (an important Omega-3 fatty acid) and prohibit synthetic additives and GMOs. This level of care in selecting a formula demonstrates that formula-feeding parents are just as concerned about their babies’ nutrition as those who breastfeed.

LeCroy hopes that by speaking openly about her formula feeding journey, she can help dismantle the stigma that sometimes surrounds the practice. “You have to listen to your body and your baby. I think people who say breastfed babies are the best need to understand that. In my opinion, a well-fed baby is always the goal,” she emphasized. Her message to other parents facing similar situations is refreshingly compassionate: “Give yourself grace. If you have to go with a breast milk formula company, that’s what you have to do. You can’t let other people get in your head about what they think is best for you. Only you can decide what is going to be best for your baby.” This sentiment acknowledges the immense pressure parents often face to make the “perfect” choices for their children, when in reality, the best choice is whatever works for each unique family situation.

The results speak for themselves as baby Teddi is thriving despite her premature arrival. “To be a preemie and already at 12 pounds, we’re doing really well. She’s got a head full of hair and is very, very happy,” LeCroy reported proudly. An unexpected benefit of formula feeding has been the ability to share nighttime feeding responsibilities with her husband. “I’m sure my husband’s kicking himself because I’m making him do the nighttime feedings,” she joked, highlighting how formula feeding can allow for more parental equality in infant care. LeCroy also noted that her body has still experienced significant changes postpartum, even without breastfeeding: “Let’s just say that the body is definitely giving. My milk never came in, but it sure does look like it did.” This candid observation reminds us that all postpartum bodies deserve respect, regardless of feeding method.

LeCroy’s partnership with Bobbie extends beyond just endorsing their formula. She also supports the company’s advocacy for paid parental leave, an issue that affects millions of American families. The United States remains the only industrialized nation without a national paid parental leave program, leaving many parents, particularly the self-employed like LeCroy, without adequate time to recover and bond with their newborns. “Paid maternity leave would be great. My husband somehow got that. I, on the other hand, being self-employed, went straight back to work,” she explained. This reality highlights the broader societal issues that affect parents far beyond the breast-versus-formula debate.

Bobbie is attempting to lead by example with their “Take Our Leave” parental leave policy, offering both birthing and non-birthing employees up to 12 months of leave. Meanwhile, there are signs of potential change at the national level, with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly working to improve formula nutrition standards as part of his “Make America Healthy Agenda.” LeCroy’s story intertwines with these larger conversations about parental support, highlighting how personal feeding choices connect to broader societal issues of family support. By sharing her experience, she contributes to normalizing the diverse ways families care for their children and encourages a more supportive, less judgmental approach to the challenging early days of parenthood.