When a mother has her new child, she faces a tough decision: breastfeed or formula feed? Perhaps a combination of both? Many mothers have reservations about breastfeeding because of the time commitment and concerns over producing enough milk, but also fear that formula feeding could impact their baby's health. Are these fears warranted, or is formula feeding a safe and effective alternative to the natural method?
Dr. Wolf provides an accurate description of societal attitudes about infant feeding. What is missing is the demonstration that formula-feeding does not place unnecessary risk on infants, their mothers, and society in general. Despite her claims to the contrary, enough research exists in this area to demonstrate unequivocally that formula-feeding is risky when compared to the biological standard. Perhaps what is needed is a determination to ensure that women are fully informed about these risks, and that they are fully supported in their decision to breastfeed.
Of course, there are those rare circumstances in which breastfeeding is medically contraindicated. There must be safe alternatives. Just as some women are unable to deliver babies vaginally——the cesarean option needs to be available and as safe as medically possible. It—like formula-feeding—should not become the cultural norm.
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