The WHO recommends breastfeeding as the standard method of baby and infant feeding from birth,exclusive breastfeeding up to 6months and breastmilk up to 2years along with solids.
.https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding?utm_source=chatgpt.com
48% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed while 95% breastfed at some point.
Formula
Formula is food made to mimic breastmilk nutritionally as a replacement or supplement to breast milk.Its mostly cow milk or soy fortified with proteins,fats,lactose and vitamins.
Types of formula include:
- Powdered formula
- Liquid concentrate
- Ready to feed formula(more convenient,more expensive)
Formula is mostly used when breastfeeding is not possible ,in cases of
- medical reasons
- low supply
- Mothers choose not to breastfeed
- Mixed feeding
The WHO recommends it as a safe alternative.
The Formula Stigma
“You do not want to bond with your child”
“Breast milk is better ,you are hurting your child”and many other words are hurled at mothers who prefer or have no option but formula.
Unfortunately this stigmatization comes from people who are supposed to offer support.Family,healthcare messaging,cultural expectations and more so online parenting communities.
Effects of formula stigma
- Anxiety to the mother
- Delayed use of formula when needed
- Shame
- Stress
Breast Milk
Often called ‘Gold standard’ for infant feeding because human milk is species specific and uniquely suited for babies.
Health organizations worldwide agree breastmilk is the best as it provides optimal nutrition tailored for infants and it is easy to digest compared to formula,
Benefits of breast milk include:
- Immunity protection -it has antibodies that help protect babies from infections.
- Lower risks of obesity,SIDS(https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sudden-infant-death-syndrome,
- Brain development
Benefits for the mother :Breastfeeding can help with postpartum recovery, reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and support bonding. It’s also convenient, free, and always ready at the right temperature.
“FED IS BEST”
Like many mothers I found myself in a dilemma,running from doctor to doctor with the same concern and cry, ‘Doc i need help producing milk’
It had already been 3 weeks since birth. As a first time mom, the lack of information that it was possible not to produce milk after birth would have eased my anxiety and lessened my postpartum blues.
The nurses kept insisting on breastfeeding which I did but I did not realize I was not producing milk until the third day when I almost lost my baby to starvation. It was found I had not been producing milk and my baby’s wails and discomfort were due to hunger.
Helter skelter the nurses ran up and down the maternity wing corridors to get glucose and borrow formula to give the baby to save a life.
I felt that this would have been avoided if only formula was mentioned as a necessity when shopping for delivery.Formula saved my baby.
After this ordeal I took upon myself to ask around moms known to me about their experience.Majorly first time moms.
“Fed is best mama ,until your milk is here feed the baby formula. My son was born via c-section and i couldn’t produce milk for 2 weeks and in 3 days he was diagnosed with sepsis and in nicu(neonatal intensive care unit) i could not breastfeed him even i wanted to”
JOAN(mom and entrepreneur)
“I tried everything ,everything under the sun ,the porridge,the hot drinks,cocoa,lentils,mammalat granules(https://tfpharmacyonline.com/shop/supplements/mamalait-granules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) but none of it worked, i talked to doctors but they ridiculed me for not wanting to breastfeed because i want to ‘slay’. My husband saw my distress, and said I am getting formula. If i came close to supply it was never up to 30ml of pumping, baby kept wailing after breastfeeding no sleep .When we began NAN she had longer sleep, few cries increased wet diapers, I used formula until he was 1year and i introduced cow milk due to NAN being expensive.”
Irene(mom)
“I am so desperate mama,i have decided to start porridge for my twins ,I cannot keep up with NAN prices and my supply is low,iam trying to up my supply but iam not getting enough for my babies.I give them porridge mixed with formula or the little milk i can pump and try to breastfeed at night.What can i do?So long as they are healthy and thriving”
Maureen(Teacher and Mom)
These stories gave me hope that I was not wrong for giving my baby formula ,and I had to do what was best for my newborn.And I understood ‘Fed is best’ better.
The Reality
Breast milk has proven health advantages and is superior when it works wells,but,not every mother can but not every mother can breastfeed exclusively due to
- low supply
- medical conditions
- medications
- adoption
- Surgery or other challenges
In these instances is where Formula comes in to assist or supplement.Formula feeding should be known to be safe and nutritionally adequate.
Earlier on in January and February some Formula was recalled by the companies due to contamination(Recall of two additional infant formula products due to presence of cereulide toxin | Communicable Diseases Agency) but this is not to scare off mothers as there are other brands that are still safe and on the shelf.
The goal is a fed, healthy baby and a supported mother. Pressure to breastfeed should never come at the expense of mental health or the baby’s immediate needs.
Pregnant women,new moms,first time moms or moms struggling with feeding should talk to a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or midwife.Issues like latching, supply and pain can be improved with support, but if breastfeeding is not working, adopting formula or supplementing with formula is a valid, loving choice.
What it all means
Indeed, breast milk is best when possible. It offers unique advantages that formula doesn’t match. But fed is best, and every parent deserves support without judgment.
Sources
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-we-shouldnt-demonize-formula-feeding-2018040313557
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pregnancy/breastfeeding-vs-formula?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.webmd.com/baby/breastfeeding-vs-formula-feeding?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Sure Media Magazine 
Leave a comment