Breastmilk is the better option, when feasible. Formula is just that - “formulated” to mimick breastmilk. It simply does not, and can not provide all the benefits breast milk does. However, in some cases formula is very much a necessary supplement or replacement, and moms should not be shamed if they have to go that route. At the same time, I do not like the “fed is best” narrative. Fed is the bare minimum. We cannot ignore or dismiss the hard work and energy it takes to provide breastmilk.

Whatever is best for the mom’s mental health period. But I prefer to combo feed my babies. Best of both worlds 🤭

I think there’s good in both. Having a versatile combo fed baby is great just in case of emergencies. Breastfeeding Pros Bonding Antibodies Quick draw Cons Leaking Pain Only you can feed the baby Pumping Best of both worlds minus the stinky bottles. You have a bigger window to rinse before they get gross. Formula Pros Anyone can feed baby Cons Expensive Bottle and nipples stank if not rinsed immediately

I think there are many reasons women choose to formula feed and it hurts my heart when an answer for being able to continue breastfeeding would just be more general support in all the other areas of life. If we knew that was the ONLY thing we needed to do, and everything else was taken care of (food prep, house etc) I wonder how many women might choose to keep going. There’s a major lack of information out there about breastfeeding and even specialized doctors who can work with women on supply

I love that we can feed babies. That’s how I feel about that.

I LOVE formula feeding. Mentally and physically it was the right choice for me. My baby ended up being diagnosed with CMPA and it was so much easier to diagnose and resolve with changing her formula. She is thriving and happy and has never been sick. It was 100% the right choice for us.

I wanted and set myself up to breastfeed with my oldest and I felt like such a failure. In the hospital everyone said that he was getting colostrum and doing great but I was so nervous I asked for the specialist to come back and help me with the gaurd. It was covid and crazy and she never made it back. I was up forever because he wouldnt sleep. We went home and at his first appointment (on a monday) he lost half his body weight. He was colic and would fall asleep not latching much.

Breastmilk is best nutritionally for baby. Thats just science. But sometimes breast isnt possible due to a plethora of issues such as latch issues, nipple confusion, low supply, drying up, smoking/alcohol/drug dependencies, another pregnancy etc. And not to be discounted is the mothers mental health. Sometimes breastfeeding takes a huge toll on a mother and continuing to breastfeed is just too hard. That is a valid reason to switch to formula.

Nursing sucked the life out of me so bad and took me into the beginnings of ppd. The moment I switched to combo feeding and then to formula I felt immediately better. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done for 4 months.

Formula conditions us into eating processed foods