1. Yes, all here are right: breastmilk is best because its specific to human babies, as cow milk is specific to baby cows…The truth is the truth…

2. But, like others said, its not for everyone…Usually, many moms cannot breastfeed…Many of my clients are automatically not encouraged to BF: Those who have AIDS or are HIV+, have had masectomies and have no breasts, or women with metabolic diseases that affect breastmilk such as galactosemia…This all should be decided by a physician

3. I think for me as a nutritionist and BF educator/counselor, I am definitely for BF if you can but most of my work and efforts go towards making sure women have all the information, and that if they do have problems BF in the beginning, getting the proper support (all LC’s are not created equal and often give up too) in a timely manner…So many moms give up, then come see me after the baby has been on formula, and when I give them a little bit more info on BF troubleshooting, 99% of them said, “oh I didn’t know that, and I would not have given up had I known that.” Which ***** b/c they really do want to BF!

4. As for formula feeding, here is my beef…Please believe it is a distant second to breastmilk….There is a huge difference in the composition….No matter what people try to tell you…However, as long as its mixed well, babies can thrive off of formula if done properly….as far as the studies, much evidence is not HARD evidence, and many formula-fed babies have no problems, true indeed, but evidence is evidence, and the facts don’t lie, so don’t totally disregard the research….

But here we go….understand that even formula feeding isn’t always the “answer”…Just ask the many moms HERE who have had to switch their babies from milk-based, to soy-based, then back to some kind of hypoallergenic formula, then something else, and back again….These moms have it just as hard if not harder than a mom who has problems nursing (who usually can feed any formula because the baby’s intestine is protected by her milk)…..

Also-formula is expensive….I have moms calling who are over income for WIC who still cannot afford it, and thats a shame-as feeding your baby should not be so expensive!…The formula companies don’t mention that, and they are not going to give you free formula (well maybe a can or two or three) for being such a “dedicated customer”….. I have seen moms on Craigs List who are over-income for WIC begging for extra formula, and sending emails and writing blogs about how to get more formula because for SOME not all-its more than they really imagined….or they didn’t know their baby would be allergic Soy-based or Milk-based formulas—-who can ever know something like that….? But I am here to try and prepare moms-to be on both!

For Powder: Just go down the formula aisle:

For a basic milk or soy-based: it about 12.00/ (12-16 oz) can and you need about 10-12 a month (or more!)….So without taxes, its like 120-144.00/month or $1440-1728/year! Not to mention if the baby will stay on it for a month or so after age 1….For a hypoallergenic formula, its abouyt 25.00-30.00/can which is 250.00 to 300.00/month….or 3000-3600.00 a year….And don’t let the baby need something not found in the store like NeoCate for preemies for the first 4 months (90.00/can-not in stores) or Enfacare by Enfamil or Enfacare 22 or 24 cal) which is considerably more….Neosure or God forbid Elecare which is like 110.00 a can…..!

At the Walgreens where I live (in a college town, more affluent area), they have the formula behind glass because they have caught moms stealing it!!!!

We order this at WIC and its costing the state and Feds big $$$$….They are purchasing this at the cost I presented here…But Like I said if you are over income for WIC, you would have to purchase that….I am not trying to scare you but just like its often tough to breastfeed for many moms here, you need to know (not just the risks-which thankfully in the US are few-but long-term has yet to be fully understood) the TRUTH about formula feeding….And it affects the poor, and not-so poor too….I am sure many families can find A LOT to do with 1200 or more bucks…..But if you choose not to feed formula, as many do, its okay, but try out the free option, and see what you can come up with…..

PS. Even if you are eligible for WIC, we only are supplemental, so other than what we provide which usually lasts 15-20 days/month…..you will have to provide the rest…..

Either way, get the facts…all the facts….get the PROS and CONS, and make the best decision you can make….Whatever you decide to do, surround yourself with the best support for you and baby, and ignore the naysayers either way!