To Breastfeed, or Not to Breastfeed? That is the Question

So, I belong to an on line "mom's" forum. There are many groups for mothers of all ages, nationalities, religions, experiences as well as hobbies and so on.

The best, and cattiest, are the Breast Feeding Moms (known from here out as BFN's) and the Formula Feeding Moms (known from here out as FFM's). Never have I seen so many supposed "adults" go at each other with such vigor! It amazes me every time I read a new bulletin.

We, as women, all know the benefits of breast feeding our infants. It's the way children have been fed from the beginning of time, right up until the first commercially available formulas hit the market in 1912. If a woman couldn't breast feed, she would hire a wet nurse. If a wet nurse wasn't available, regular table food, pulverized and mixed with cow or goat milk, was supplemented.

Modern day formulas are far more superior to those introduced in the early 1900's (Dextri-Maltose). As much nutrition as possible is packed into them so our children can get the vitamins they need when breast feeding is not an option. In this day and age, with two incomes being needed to support a home, there are a lot of mothers who just don't have enough time in the day to feed their children breast milk as often as needed. Some women will pump the breast milk so it's available while they're working. Some women try to get as much breast milk into their children as possible and use formula as a supplement. Some women try their best to breast feed their babies and, for whatever reason, they're unsuccessful and rely fully on formula to make sure their children eat and are healthy.

As a woman, I know my first and foremost goal is to make sure my child is getting the proper nutrition and is not hungry. However I can make that possible is the route I will take. But say that to a BFN and you're liable to get an earful about how you lack proper parenting skills and have no business bringing children into this world.