Why Baby Formula Isn't so Bad

In recent years, breastfeeding has resurged in popularity, and for good reason. Research indicates that nothing rivals breast milk when it comes to providing the nutrients and antibodies that will best help new babies thrive and develop immunities to an array of common diseases. It's cheap, it's natural, and it's convenient; after all, a breastfeeding mother always has lunch on her, already set to the proper temperature and ready to go.

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.