Breast Is Best, But Formula Will Do

We all know that “breast is best”.

Women have been breastfeeding their children since the beginning of time and it’s obviously the most natural and normal way to do things.

But the Breastfeeding Network (BN) wants this slogan dropped because they think it favours formula companies.

I think they need to get over it.

The chair of BN is lobbying the British government to drop this slogan.

”It seems to play straight into the formula manufacturer’s hands by encouraging the view that formula is the normal way to feed a baby – whereas nothing could be further from the truth.”

She added: ”What we should be saying – and are intent on getting across – is that formula feeding is an avoidable health risk to babies.”

Basically, they are upset that the slogan implies that there is another option that breastmilk needs to overcome, when they don’t think formula should be considered a valid option in the first place.

The government has come back saying that this is not actually their slogan. But whether or not it is, I think the BN needs to chill out.

It might be used later on in the process of moving from milk to solids, but there are very few women (correct me if I’m wrong, please) who opt for formula right from the beginning.

The problem I have with the BN is that by saying this they are demonising women who formula feed.

There are legitimate reasons for formula. If your milk won’t flow, you have to take a medication that would hurt the baby, or you have an illness that can be passed by breast milk.

Even though these kids might have higher chance of other problems (like obesity or diabetes) and have more hospitalisations, formula feed is only one of many factors that will affect their quality of life.

It is important that women in these situations know that formula will be good enough. It will provide the nutrients needed for a healthy growing baby.

I think we need to stop demonising women and give them the respect and support that all struggling new mothers deserve, whether or not we agree with their choices.