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News report on formula vs breast milk

Dana - posted on 01/10/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

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Last Friday we had a short segment on our news here (we live in Perth, Western Australia, might have been shown Australia wide, I'm not sure) reporting how a new study has found that formula feeding is nutritionally as good as breastfeeding and how breastfeeding offers no advantage over formula feeding apart from a slighly higher IQ. Now, I am not generally a person to believe everything I hear in the news, and this report went against everything I believe in; however, a small doubt has crept into my mind whether the enormous amount of effort required in expressing for day care is worth it.
Considering how stongly I do believe in the benefits of breastfeeding, and still this report has made me doubt, I believe it was quite irresponsible, because I can only imagine how many new mums are now out there currently struggling through the early weeks of breastfeeding and thinking "oh well, this study found that there is no benefit to breastfeeding, so what is the point, it's just too hard"
What does everyone else think?

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Brenda - posted on 01/11/2010

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And who paid for this study? Probably the formula companies. If it isn't put out by UNICEF or WHO I don't buy it. I know how to run scientific statistics, and I know how to make them say exactly what I want if I word it just the right way. Formula contains a ton of stuff that isn't good for babies,such as bacteria, MSG, and a lot of other stuff and it doesn't contain white blood cells, antibodies, sleep inducing hormones , or pain reducing hormones. There have been people claiming that formula is "better" than breastmilk for a long time, and they're full of crap, with pockets padded by formula companies because if everyone breastfed, they'd lose a ton of money, and we can't have that.

Elizabeth - posted on 01/10/2010

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The problem with scientific studies being reported in the mass media, is that the media either don't understand (or choose to ignore the fact) that scientific consensus is achieved by the results of *many* studies showing the same/similar findings, and that one or two studies showing unusual results don't immediately/automatically disprove the general consensus. Studies are done using samples of a population, after all, and they are conducted by, with and on falliable beings.

E.g. a study came out last year, the results of which indicated that light alcohol use in pregnancy was beneficial to foetuses. This was contrary to most previous studies (and another study came out a month or so after which did *not* find that light alcohol use was helpful/harmless). But the media got excited by the 'unusual' result, and so "Women can drink during pregnancy" is what made the news.

In summary - the mass media is more interested in generating headlines, and in generating controversy that will, in turn, generate even more headlines.

I really can't watch prime time news any more - I spend too much time cursing at it.

Jodi - posted on 01/10/2010

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Personally, I would say that ONE study that goes against THOUSANDS of studies from well respected sources should be ignored. Until sources like the WHO or the AAP confirm it or at least "admit" it could be plausible and that they're conducting their own research to confirm or deny, I would consider it rubbish! Just my opinion, I FIRMLY believe breast is best and if in your shoes would continue to express my milk for my LO. Best of luck!

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