Why Baby Formula Isn't so Bad
Still, admirable as the pro-breastfeeding movement is, it's important to recognize that, as the popular retort goes, "Baby formula is not rat poison." Yes, it is not the most ideal option, but there's potential for a lot of damage in declaring that baby formula is inferior and should never be used. After all, many mothers encounter difficulty when trying to breastfeed and, even after a valiant effort, often have to supplement. These mothers often respond to this by feeling like failures, by carrying a load of guilt on their shoulders, and by wondering if perhaps their babies will not be quite as intelligent, healthy, or gifted as they could have been if they'd been raised on breast milk.
In reality, many mothers do turn to formula, either by choice or because they are unable to breastfeed. For those mothers who struggle with breastfeeding and who try to compensate by, for example, using a breast pump around the clock, formula can help alleviate stress. It's hard to feel inadequate at the same you're trying to be the sole provider of sustenance for a little one, and all of this can add up to loss of sleep and even mild depression. These feelings are significant because, as any mother knows, babies pick up on their mothers' emotions. Sometimes, giving up the breastfeeding quest is the best way to ensure that both mom and baby are more relaxed and more able to focus on bonding, which is where formula comes in.
Additionally, the quality of formula has gone up steadily over the years. Now, chemicals such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are added to help promote brain and eye development. Although formula remains nutritionally inferior to breast milk, advances continue to bridge the gap.
New mothers who wish to breastfeed should congratulate themselves, as they're doing their babies and their bank accounts a favor. Formula companies spend millions marketing their products each year, and it's important for consumers not to be drawn in blindly. Still, for those mothers who are unable to breastfeed, either because they can't or because the stress is becoming too significant a factor, formula remains a feasible and perfectly safe option.
Published by jacksonicole
I am a freelance writer and editor with over five years of experience writing, content reviewing/editing, copy editing, and proofreading for various organizations. My clients have ranged from literary journa... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentI am so sick of mothers judging other mothers because they don't breastfeed. Why do we have to pit ourselves against each other this way? Most of the women who are in your face about breastfeeding (Kateland) have never had to work full time to support a family and pump all at the same time. I breastfed my 4-year-old until age one, but have started supplmenting with my 7-month-old. I would love to be home with him and be able to exclusively breastfeed him. But I have to make a living so they have a roof over their heads, and pumping stopped working for me after about five months. Keeping up with his demand was not possible. Like the article said, formula is not poison and people should stop acting like you are abusing your kid for feeding it.
All I know is my wife is a wreck right now because our newborn hasn't been getting enough milk in the first 3 days and it is SO not from trying. My wife is very upset. Thanks for making her feel like sht. At least we won't have a dead baby.
Kateland, regardless of your position on, well, anything, is this how you talk to people you've never met, especially ones who haven't called you "selfish" or a "dumb ass"? If not, why the inconsistency? If so, I'd say your house is a little on the glassy side to be tossing off such big stones.
After all, mothers put a lot more out into the world (and pass more onto their kids) than just boob milk.
Lame excuse. Human milk is for human babies. Giving your baby formula, when you have two perfectly healthy milk making breasts hanging off your chest, is like giving your child a rancid glass of milk, when there's a fresh gallon of it in the fridge.
Only you can be your baby's advocate, it's not about you anymore. Your baby is your Number one priority. Quit acting like mild depression (which I've experienced, but worse) is an excuse to short change your baby of the very best. I can't stand selfish women. Why have a baby if you're not capable of nourishing it with your boobs? Dumb asses.
OFTEN TIMES IT IS THE WOMEN WHO DIDN'T HAVE DIFFICULTY BREAST-FEEDING WHO CLAIM OTHERS DIDN'T 'TRY' HARD ENOUGH. WHO ARE THEY TO DECIDE WHAT ANOTHER PERSONS BREAKING POINT IS? EVERYONE SHOULD MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS, GOOD ARTICLE.
I have to disagree(though i think you bring up decent points). Most women do not try very hard to breastfeed instead using formula when slightest discomfort arises. Most women CAN breastfeed but chose not to, but I think many are misinformed and do not fully utilize the help that is there like lactation consultants, La Leche league, etc... and society is not equipped nor supportive of breastfeeding. More than half of Americans do not breastfeed and those that do, do not breastfeed the suggested amount of time. It is not the formula-feeding that needs to be supported it is breastfeeding! Breastfeeding is not only superior but not even in the same league as formula. It is not a choice, and should not be represented as one.