Should the overview of this group be changed??

Kerry - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Geralyn:

Quoting Amber:

As a first time mom who hasn't had any experiance in either breast feeding or formula feeding I think it is important to hear both sides of the story. The Whys and the why nots of formula and breast feeding in regards to the personal stories that people have. I strongly believe that this is how people learn to generate their own opinion. As some one who has no friends who breast fed I like to hear their storys on why they didn't. But I also want to know why women do breast feed and then form my own opinion from the pros and cons of both. So how can I do that if one is forbidden to discuss the reasoning behind what they do personally? I just want to clarify that I will be breastfeeding, I think it is best for my baby, but what happens if I can't. That is why I joined this group to find out what other mothers do and have done in these types of situations. And I would hate to see a group "ban" people from these discussions. I hope that this group will continue to be open minded as I have read that most seem to be.

I think that for moms who are weighing both - breastfeeding and formula-feeding - to make a decision, this community would provide information on breastfeeding.  There are a dozen or more other communities that moms talk about the benefits of formula-feeding.  This group was not designed to cover both sides.  I frequently visit other communities for information. 

I know this discussion has got long and not everyone has the time to read the whole thing but what the OP was about was promoting breastfeeding with some discussion to be allowed regarding formula in order to help mums who might be considering it instead of ruling out the big "F" word all together. This is and always will be a breastfeeding group

Sara - posted on 10/31/2009

great minds then hey?!

Natasha - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Sara:

I think either way a happy mom = a happy baby and a stressed out mom = a stressed out baby.

I think you just might be a genius! This is exactly what I've been trying to say!

Sara - posted on 10/31/2009

I think either way a happy mom = a happy baby and a stressed out mom = a stressed out baby.

Geralyn - posted on 10/30/2009

Quoting Amber:

As a first time mom who hasn't had any experiance in either breast feeding or formula feeding I think it is important to hear both sides of the story. The Whys and the why nots of formula and breast feeding in regards to the personal stories that people have. I strongly believe that this is how people learn to generate their own opinion. As some one who has no friends who breast fed I like to hear their storys on why they didn't. But I also want to know why women do breast feed and then form my own opinion from the pros and cons of both. So how can I do that if one is forbidden to discuss the reasoning behind what they do personally? I just want to clarify that I will be breastfeeding, I think it is best for my baby, but what happens if I can't. That is why I joined this group to find out what other mothers do and have done in these types of situations. And I would hate to see a group "ban" people from these discussions. I hope that this group will continue to be open minded as I have read that most seem to be.

I think that for moms who are weighing both - breastfeeding and formula-feeding - to make a decision, this community would provide information on breastfeeding.  There are a dozen or more other communities that moms talk about the benefits of formula-feeding.  This group was not designed to cover both sides.  I frequently visit other communities for information. 

Sara - posted on 10/30/2009

lol.. thanks. It's not the feeding twins that is the problem it's the other 3 kids running around

Nicole - posted on 10/30/2009

Sara, I don't know why anyone would judge you and if they did, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You are breastfeeding twins right? Then, guess what? That makes you a breastfeeding superhero! lol Congrats and keep up the good work!

Nicole - posted on 10/30/2009

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months and the World Health Organization recommends 2 years.

Sara - posted on 10/30/2009

Ok.. then I have a further question... When is it an acceptable age to finish breastfeeding?

Paige - posted on 10/30/2009

IMO there are plenty of people in the world who will tell you it's OK to stop breastfeeding and just give formula. The majority of people out there will tell you that at the first sign that something is wrong. I think it is good to have some places where you will hear support and encouragement to keep going despite the difficulties.

HOWEVER I don't think being judgmental and negative will ever be a good approach to convincing mothers to continue breastfeeding.

Sara - posted on 10/30/2009

I think this whole discussion is why mothers who have to formula feed or choose to formula feed feel shunned. I joined this group because I am breastfeeing my 6 month old twins and was hoping to hear similar stories and maybe some advice but I think that if the subject of me weaning them is to come up and then be deleted or me be judged then I might just join another group.

Nicole - posted on 10/29/2009

Look, the reason the administrator and moderators of this group are so passionate about exclusive breastfeeding is probably because they are, like myself, educated about the risks of formula feeding. The average public feels that formula is safe or even an equal substitute for breastfeeding and as much as the formula companies would like people to believe that it is, it is not! Everyone always talks about the benefits to breastfeeding, but really it is the risks to formula feeding.

Studies show that if a mother supplements with formula she is more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier than if she was exclusively breastfeeding. I feel that even women who are supplementing deserve to be a part of this group and deserve to receive support just as much as those exclusively breastfeeding, but I agree with the administrator that no one should ever recommend formula, unless they have reputable medical training. I feel this way because, as a Lactation Counselor, I am constantly having to help mothers who are trying to recover breastfeeding because a well-meaning person has told her that it is okay to give her baby some formula and all it did was make the initial problem worse.

We should encourage ALL breastfeeding mothers and always give the best breastfeeding advice!

I don't think the administrator and moderators are being judgmental of supplementing mothers, I think they are just trying to save mothers from problems.

Good job on the overview changes.

Stephanie - posted on 10/22/2009

I'm sorry but isn't the idea of having a group is like minded people posting and talking. So if you don't agree with the overview of the group don't participate and don't join. Stop trying to control everyones group to match what you think it should be.

Natasha - posted on 10/21/2009

I think the new guidelines are great. It just means don't say "Here if its not working have some formula!" Its about trying to overcome the feeding issues first. We all understand that formula may be neccessary in the long run, and if the health of your baby is relying on being supplemented then of course see your health professional and follow their reccomendations for your baby. We are not doctors and cannot see the difficulties that each individual baby and mother might be having, we can only offer support, guidance and personal experience in the way of advice for breastfeeding, which is ultimately the best for baby. Each mother has to make the call for their child. Do what you feel is best, its most likely the best for baby, but this is definitely a site for the advantages of breastfeeding and we must all at least support that to make it work. No one should feel judged or condemned for what they choose and should feel free to say what works for them.

Angelena - posted on 10/21/2009

I agree.... I joined this group to give and receive SUPPORT and advice from other nursing mom's experiences. Not to be cruicified if I choose to formula feed my child. And I would think that it's healthy to not support a mommy who is really having a hard time nursing her child...whatever the reason.

Collette - posted on 10/21/2009

I think that providing information about both choices are important. I think that changing the statement "This means that we do not condone formula feeding." is a bit harsh because as you stated there may be mothers here that are doing both or have considered it (formula) for one reason or another.

This issues as a whole is important and dear to my heart because when my daughter was born and had went home, I was being told she would need formula because of a drop in weight. Though I wanted to go by my own feelings and keep trying to breastfeed, the health of my baby would ultimately prevail. Therefore, a little formula may be/have been necessary so though I may not have wanted too it (formula) is an option at some point all of us as breastfeeding parents may have had to consider!

Just hope our group is inviting and supportive to all!

Chelsea - posted on 10/21/2009

I would like to dispell the myth that formula can't be discussed in this community. The guidelines clearly state that formula cannot be recommended or encouraged. This does not mean that it can't be discussed. I myself have worked with moms who did have to use formula for medical reasons but were able to stop using the formula and strictly breastfeed. My stance on not allowing this group to recommend or encourage the use of formula is unwavering but formula is very much open to be discussed.

Kelly - posted on 10/21/2009

Amber - I feel the same way. I'll tell you my story. My daughter, who is now 7 months old, was weighed 2 days after she was born and had lost a pound. Now all babies typically do lose a little weight after they are born but, the doctor said that was quite a lot and suggested that I supplement with formula. I tried other things first to increase my supply. Teas, certain food, herbal supplements. When we went back to the doctor she had gained a little but, the doctor said it wasn't enough and that I need to supplement. Well, as we all know, this isn't the 18th century; there was no wet nurse to employ so, formula was the answer. I do still bf her and plan to for a long time but it isn't enough and I have to give her formula. I cried about it at first. I felt like a failure. Then, I realized that this was something that I couldn't control and got over it. Because this can not be discussed makes me feel like I should be ashamed! I'm not so sure I want to be a part of this community.

Amber - posted on 10/20/2009

As a first time mom who hasn't had any experiance in either breast feeding or formula feeding I think it is important to hear both sides of the story. The Whys and the why nots of formula and breast feeding in regards to the personal stories that people have. I strongly believe that this is how people learn to generate their own opinion. As some one who has no friends who breast fed I like to hear their storys on why they didn't. But I also want to know why women do breast feed and then form my own opinion from the pros and cons of both. So how can I do that if one is forbidden to discuss the reasoning behind what they do personally? I just want to clarify that I will be breastfeeding, I think it is best for my baby, but what happens if I can't. That is why I joined this group to find out what other mothers do and have done in these types of situations. And I would hate to see a group "ban" people from these discussions. I hope that this group will continue to be open minded as I have read that most seem to be.

Chelsea - posted on 10/20/2009

I would love to work with you on this topic if you would like. Send me a private message and I will see what tips I can send your way.

Kelly - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Kelly:

Quoting Chelsea:

Kelly this group is here to encourage and support you in being able to exclusively breastfeed your daughter not to condem you if you are not medically able. If you are not interested in exclusively breastfeeding then you can choose to keep that out of this group in your posts or you are risking having posts deleted and then being removed from the group. The moderators and myself are enforcing these rules on a daily basis.

sarcasm doesn't come across very well when not in person.  sorry if you misinterpreted my statement.

And believe me, it's not that I'm not interested in exclusively breastfeeding my baby.  I really wish I could. 

Kelly - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Chelsea:

Kelly this group is here to encourage and support you in being able to exclusively breastfeed your daughter not to condem you if you are not medically able. If you are not interested in exclusively breastfeeding then you can choose to keep that out of this group in your posts or you are risking having posts deleted and then being removed from the group. The moderators and myself are enforcing these rules on a daily basis.

sarcasm doesn't come across very well when not in person.  sorry if you misinterpreted my statement.

Kerry - posted on 10/20/2009

This group is here to support families that breastfeed. We follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Leche League Internations (LLLI). This group is here to promote breastfeeding and support families who choose to breastfeed. Please refrain from recommending formula in this group. Group Guidelines: 1. We do not support or encourage the use of Formula. Please refrain from recommending the use of formula. 2. No posts that are threatening 3. No solicitation This group is here to support families that breastfeed. We follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Leche League Internations (LLLI). This group is here to promote breastfeeding and support families who choose to breastfeed. Please refrain from recommending formula in this group.



I think thats a great outcome Chelsea. Very clear and precise and it means we can talk about formula to those mums who might be tempted, mums who combine feed and mums who had no choice about using formula. It's not about promoting formula or making it "OK" This is a breastfeeding group and thats what it will always be, we have just expanded our ability to help mums with the best nourishment possible for their child. I love this group even more now!!

Chelsea - posted on 10/20/2009

Kelly this group is here to encourage and support you in being able to exclusively breastfeed your daughter not to condem you if you are not medically able. If you are not interested in exclusively breastfeeding then you can choose to keep that out of this group in your posts or you are risking having posts deleted and then being removed from the group. The moderators and myself are enforcing these rules on a daily basis.

Kelly - posted on 10/20/2009

is someone enforcing these 'rules'? I say forget them! :) I can't exclusively breast feed because I never produced enough milk. I pump every 3-4hrs when I'm at work and I only get about 2-3 oz when I pump. My daughter consumes about 6oz in a feeding so.. i can't keep up. I have to give her formula. Yes, I felt like a failure at first but then I got over it. So would these Breast Feeding Militants shun me? I say forget 'em! Is it like the cool group in high school or something? :)

Minnie - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Chelsea:

I have changed the overview and welcome your comments.

It makes it a ton easier to moderate.

Lindsey - posted on 10/20/2009

Thank you so much for posting this for discussion. I have a few friends that are moms and had complications with breastfeeding. It was very hard for them to come to terms with not being able to nurse their children as much as they wanted (or at all in some cases)...as women/moms we should support each other. I understand that some women make the choice to use formula without attempting breastfeeding. I don't agree with it, but its every woman's choice. We need to remember though, that not EVERY woman using formula wants to be in that situation, and would give anything to experience this very special experience with their baby. I know now how lucky I am to have had no problems with my first child, and pray its that easy again with my son who will be born in 4 weeks.

Chelsea - posted on 10/20/2009

I have changed the overview and welcome your comments.

Geralyn - posted on 10/20/2009

I could totally follow this thread until the end, the last few posts. The whole idea of this group is that formula is a big deal here, in response to Tara's comment. The goal is a healthy baby and healthy mom, and this group is for moms who believe that breast milk rather than formula is the healthy nourishment for our babies. While I agree that moms shouldn't be made to feel bad in this community for having to supplement for whatever reason, whether medical or otherwise, we are not going to talk about the use of formula along with, or as the equivalent to, breast milk. Or else, it would just be a general community for any mom who feeds her baby in any manner. That is not why I joined. While people can even poke fun at themselves about militant moms breastfeeding, the truth is that we are in such a small minority in this world, that this community is to show examples to the world, or at least the COM world, that we are here and we do believe differently about breastmilk and breastfeeding. I am not militant about it. Its what I want to read, and discuss, and help people who are just starting out. I was able to get the assistance of a lactation consultant early on but 1) it was not covered by health insurance (appalling!); and 2) it was expensive. There are a lot of moms who cannot afford to pay for a lactation consultant, and there are a lot or areas that there are none available.



So while I totally agree with the proposed changes to the mission of our group, I do not think that this is a group should be proponents of the "whatever works" philosophy.



The moms who have never breastfed and went straight to formula have no idea about what I am about to say. Once you start breastfeeding, even if you have to stop for very good reasons - medical, work, problems with BFing that can't be overcome, we feel like we have failed our children on some level. Its biological. And when we have to abandon BFing or supplement, there is always that feeling of I wish I could have done more. It causes us to get defensive. That is the emotion that I would like to see removed from the back-and-forth of the posts. No one should be on the defensive or feel like they have to be....



I am not here to judge anyone, just help if I can and share experiences, but I would like all of the members to at least come from the same philosophy about breastfeeding, whether we are physically able to maintain it in the long run or not.



I hope that this makes sense. I felt it needed to be said.

Natasha - posted on 10/20/2009

Hannah you're another one with exactly the right attitude! It IS an emotive issues, and there are so many emotions within breastfeeding that there can be no one right way to go about it, one right way to feel about it. The most important thing is a healthy, fed baby and a healthy, happy mother. That comes in different ways for different mums, be it breast or bottle feeding. I think we need to feel free to discuss different methods so that nobody like Tara and Samantha feel like they should leave, they are valuable people with valuable opinions. People need to feel like they are valued no matter what they choose to do to feed their babies.

Hannah - posted on 10/20/2009

Please don't leave the group Tara! It is good we have all been able to have a discussion about this, like you I didn't realise formula was 'frowned upon'.

I agree that this is a site for breastfeeding, and that people come here to get support and encouragement to do their best to succeed at breastfeeding, but these posts show that there are also mums who use this site who have no problem with the use of formula, hence the need to change the wording from 'condone' to 'encourage'.

I have both breast and bottle fed, and have no issue with whatever a mother chooses for herself and her baby. I strongly believe there is no right or wrong way, it's definately not a black and white issue.

I understand, however, that during the tough times there is a tempation to switch to bottle, and so we have to be careful and balanced in the advice we give each other, which is why there are moderators. But I don't believe we should be censored so much for mentioning formula, as I said it is not black and white, so the moderators job may become a bit more tricky!



Breastfeeding is something that we are all going to disagree about sometimes as it's such an emotive issue, we all feel passionatley about it, but there will always be other mums who think the same way out there, that's why we should all be allowed a voice on the site.

Tara - posted on 10/19/2009

Wow. I had no idea that formula was such a big deal here. I don't think I will be a member of this group any longer. A healthy baby should be the most important goal, not how Momma's get them there. By the way, I tried the extra pumping, herbs, massage, extra nursing, and relaxation techniques, plus a few other suggestions about increasing my milk, and nothing worked well enough to ensure my little boy got enough to eat when I wasn't home until he started solids. I supplimented. Burn me at the stake!!!!

Samantha - posted on 10/19/2009

I agree because I work 40+ hours a week and go to school and it is completely impossible for me to exclusively breastfeed. I have never given my child formula myself, and I would absolutely love for him to get breastmilk 100% of the time, I just can't pump enough to satisfy him. Am I a bad mother because of this?

Richain - posted on 10/19/2009

Quoting April:

i think the word "condone" could be changed to encourage "we do not encourage formula feeding" sounds better. condone sounds mean and sort of hateful, which is not what breast feeding moms is all about. also...people have been conditioned to associate bottles with babies. there are always pictures of babies with bottles, rarely do you see pictures of babies nursing. it is going to take a while to change that. a lot of people just don't have enough information about breast feeding. i think welcoming all moms would give everyone a chance to learn more about breastfeeding

Coming from a family of formula fed babies... I had no help or advice to start with and a sister with a horrible experience to go on.  I came here to get some advice, to calm my nerves,  to build some confidence, and get encouragement.  Moms to be are looking for encourgement... especially those first few days at home when you just feel like quitting.  Its nice to know that there is a place to help you though some of the doubt and frustration.

Not everyone's experience is the same and with the amount of experience here, any person should be able to find someone who can sympathize and support them.

Natasha - posted on 10/19/2009

Richain, you have hit the nail on th head exactly!!!!!!! Especially the last thing you said. Its nice to know that some changes will be made.

Richain - posted on 10/19/2009

Should we really be chasing away people who are in search of good helpful advice just because they are not able to breastfeed 100%? My sister had no choice but to do both because she did not have a well established milk supply. She had no one to help her when she needed advice because no one in our family at that time had breastfed their babies AND she had no support group as she was on a military base in a foreign county. I know that there will be many posts on this group and on other groups that I will disagree with and some that I will agree 100% with. With that being said, I think that we should be able to post opinions and thoughts and advice regardless of whether formula is mentioned or not...it is my job as a ready to decide which posts I will take to heart and which posts I will leave on the virtual buffett of help that is given.



To be so closed minded to those who have to use formula would be crude...as they come here to get help and may have no other option. The health of our children outweighs ANY other argument for or against formula.

April - posted on 10/19/2009

i think the word "condone" could be changed to encourage "we do not encourage formula feeding" sounds better. condone sounds mean and sort of hateful, which is not what breast feeding moms is all about. also...people have been conditioned to associate bottles with babies. there are always pictures of babies with bottles, rarely do you see pictures of babies nursing. it is going to take a while to change that. a lot of people just don't have enough information about breast feeding. i think welcoming all moms would give everyone a chance to learn more about breastfeeding

Kerry - posted on 10/18/2009

Thanks Chelsea!

Chelsea - posted on 10/18/2009

I have read the posts above and agree that there does need to be some changes made. I will take all of your thoughts into consideration while still maintaining the stance that this group is not intended to promote formula or to be a place in which to recommend the use of formula. I will make some changes within the next 24 hours. I would also like the remind you all that it is not acceptable to attack others in this forum or any other forum on circle of moms.

Thank you all for being so passionate about this group and putting so much time and thought into the matter. I really appreciate it!

Chelsea (Admin)

Jessica - posted on 10/18/2009

Quoting Lisa:

No one was attacking Demetrius. The posts that people thought were attacking her were actually attacking the new community guidelines- they were sarcastic.

I was wondering when someone was going to realize that!  I don't think the intent of that comment was meant to disrespect the poster in any way. 

I think if we could change how the overview is worded that will help things!

Minnie - posted on 10/18/2009

No one was attacking Demetrius. The posts that people thought were attacking her were actually attacking the new community guidelines- they were sarcastic.

Minnie - posted on 10/18/2009

Jennifer, if you would like to personally attack me, you are welcome to e-mail me instead. I do not find any posts personally offensive, nor the ones including formula being recommended in a non-medical context.



I am a moderator of this forum and am upholding the administrator's and COM guidelines.

Jennifer - posted on 10/18/2009

So I think Demetrius deserves an apology from anybody who shot her down.

Kylie - posted on 10/18/2009

Thanks for the input Kerry that makes a lot of sense. We want this group to be a helpful, supportive place for all mothers giving breastfeeding a go.

Kerry - posted on 10/18/2009

Oh, thankyou Lisa! I think it would mean a lot more clarity. I'm all for posts that recommend formula etc etc being deleted, it's not what a mum needs to hear if she is having trouble. But I think it's important we are able to discuss formula if it means we can encourage a mum to stop using it!! Thanks again

Minnie - posted on 10/18/2009

Quoting Kerry:

I understand and support the reasoning for not allowing formula to be reccommended but what i am saying is that many mums need advice in order to improve their breastfeeding, and some of these mums may well be giving formula. The current overview implies that it doesn't allow for any discussion at all regarding formula (unless it's medical)

Here is a suggestion for a revised one

"This group is here to support families that breastfeed. We follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Leche League Internations (LLLI). This means that we do not condone formula feeding. This group is here to promote breastfeeding and support families who choose to breastfeed. Group Guidelines: 1. No posts that encourage or recommend the use of formula. 2. No posts that are threatening 3. No solicitation"

I'm not bringing this up to be a trouble maker, I really love this group and it has helped me a lot and I want to ensure we can help as many mums as possible including those who use formula and breastfeed. Who knows, if we handle things the right way perhaps we can encourage mums to exclusively breastfeed.

I think, Kerry, that that your revised overview is good actually.  The wording is what is confusing people (change discuss formula to no encouraging or recommending formula).  I'll send a message to chelsea.

Hannah - posted on 10/18/2009

This is obviously a tricky issue and no doubt a hard job for the moderators to decide which comments are/are not appropriate, yes this is a breastfeeding site not a formula site, and I don't think any of us would be using it if we didn't all have the promotion of breastfeeding in common. But the truth is, some mothers do sucessfully combination feed, and some mothers do not manage to breastfeed despite trying really hard. These mothers shouldn't be made to feel even worse than they already do at such an emotional time. I didn't realise the extent to which our comments could be censored if we say something that others may disagree with. Instead of deleteing a post altogether, can't moderators flag them and offer the alternative point of view or words of caution (eg be wary of combination feeding because...) different things work for different people, lets allow everyone to voice their point of view please as this will reflect the real world.

Kerry - posted on 10/17/2009

Qouting Lisa ***"I think you are missing the point. Formula in the context of medical use is fine. As is helping mothers who want to switch to breastfeeding from using formula and breastfeeding."***



How does the current overview suggest that it is ok for a mum to ask for help to switch from formula to breastfeeding - this isn't a medical issue so apparently it wouldn't be allowed!!



There needs to be more clarity in th overview....

Kerry - posted on 10/17/2009

I understand and support the reasoning for not allowing formula to be reccommended but what i am saying is that many mums need advice in order to improve their breastfeeding, and some of these mums may well be giving formula. The current overview implies that it doesn't allow for any discussion at all regarding formula (unless it's medical)



Here is a suggestion for a revised one



"This group is here to support families that breastfeed. We follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Leche League Internations (LLLI). This means that we do not condone formula feeding. This group is here to promote breastfeeding and support families who choose to breastfeed. Group Guidelines: 1. No posts that encourage or recommend the use of formula. 2. No posts that are threatening 3. No solicitation"



I'm not bringing this up to be a trouble maker, I really love this group and it has helped me a lot and I want to ensure we can help as many mums as possible including those who use formula and breastfeed. Who knows, if we handle things the right way perhaps we can encourage mums to exclusively breastfeed.

Minnie - posted on 10/17/2009

Quoting Kerry:

Okay, so here is the group for exclusive breastfeeding mums. It's called "Militant Breastfeeding Mommas" This is their overview--
""This community is a place for exclusive/determined breastfeeding moms to find others just like them. We offer support in breastfeeding and breastfeeding only. Advice recommending using formula or weaning before 1 year is not allowed! Nursing mommas who want to rant about the non-nursers, the supplementers, the whiners, the early weaners, the gawkers, and anything and everything else that may oppose/undermine breastfeeding, this is the group for you! Note: Not a place to complain about your nursing experience!! ""

I see there are a few active members from our moderation team that belong to the militant group - which is great but please don't turn this group, which is the biggest breastfeeding group on here, into a militant group like the above mentioned, go there and do that.

I think it is also interesting to note that the rules of the militant group seem LESS harsh than the rules of our group!! (It implies that formula can be discussed after the age of 1)

And let me just say I believe 100% in not encouraging formula, but when you put it in the overview that it is not to be discussed at all, all it does is turn people away. I think it is the job of the moderators to ensure the the posts reccommending formula are deleted but to disallow posts on formula full stop for such an expansive group is not helping those mums who are seeking advice.

From what our current guidelines say a mum cannot come on here and ask advice for example, if she wanted to stop formula feeding and start breastfeeding BECAUSE WE AREN'T EVEN ALLOWED TO MENTION FORMULA!!

I think you are missing the point.  Formula in the context of medical use is fine.  As is helping mothers who want to switch to breastfeeding from using formula and breastfeeding.

But posts such as "oh, you can give her a bottle of formula, she'll be fine, go have fun tonight!"

Or "I give my son a bottle of formula once a night so I can get an extra-long stretch of time to sleep"

Or "I don't want to pump while at work so I give my child formula when I'm at work"

Or "You can do half and half, doesn't matter, because as long as baby is getting SOME breastmilk you're golden."

Or "If you think you're not making enough milk you can always try a bottle of formula and see how he does"

All of the above are non-medical uses of formula, and are not condoned by LLLI nor the WHO, neither of which are 'extremeist' organizations. These types of posts will be deleted.

Accurate and sound information needs to be given here in this community, and that is why we follow the recommendations of LLLI and the WHO- medical need for formula can be determined by a breastfeeding-friendly doctor, a La Leche League leader, or an IBCLC. 

No one is judging mothers here for choosing to breastfeed and use formula- however, knowing the risks of formula it cannot be condoned.  That is why posts revolving around the non-medical use of formula are deleted.