Does anyone here think formula is healthy?

Laura Zoey - posted on 10/23/2011

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Liz - posted on 05/30/2011

There's nothing wrong with formula, the product. Obviously it's not "best" but it beats starvation. Formula saves lives. Period.



It's the culture of formula that's wrong. I think it's disgusting how companies market formula and hand out "free" samples/bottles in hospital. 50% of WIC goes towards formula. I wonder what lobbyist made that happen.



There are psychological by-products of advertising and marketing that come with a cultural cost.

Joni - posted on 04/26/2011

formula is perfectly fine tons of people were formula feed and they are just fine today.

OhJessie - posted on 04/26/2011

"I have come to read in the health organization websites how much they all frown upon formula. Most sites call it "artificial milk" and say it is 4th choice for babies. But I know many moms who feel it is compareable to breastmilk."

We don't decide scientific fact by consensus. We decide scientific fact through experimentation and repetition and biochemical knowledge (in this case.) It doesn't matter if every other woman in the world "thinks" it's comparable; if it isn't, it isn't. I mean honestly, are you kidding?

Rebecca - posted on 08/20/2010

Don't let the "breast nazis", as my mother calls them, scare you. I am constantly floored by how judgmental other people feel they can be about what other people choose to feed their children. Not everyone has access or the funds for a milk bank. Nor does everyone trust these banks if they do. You have no way of knowing what these women put in their bodies on a regular basis. They could have a straight McDonald's diet 24/7, how would you know?

You just really never know other people's stories and reasons for feeding their child what they feed them. I sometimes find it hard to believe that the most judgmental of the pro breasties don't really care that much about what a baby is eating as feeling "right" or "better" as a mother. People really need to keep their ego stroking in cheque when they are talking to women in the most vulnerable time in their lives-being a new mom who is scared and impressionable.

I know several people scared the shit out of me about formula. The nurses in the hospital and other moms especially had me believing if I feed my baby formula I'd make her have cancer later in her life. My doctor and my family finally had to coax me into letting her drink formula when I could not produce enough milk to feed her. She was losing weight and not doing well because I thought I'd poison her. After three months of torturing myself for an ounce or two of milk, I let go and feed my baby. You know what, it may not be the optimal food but my baby has never been sick and she is one year old. She is solidly in the middle as far as weight and is a bright little thing. And no, I don't think she'll be overweight or diabetic because her parents aren't. We are extremely active, eat clean food and our baby doesn't eat any differently than us now.

The thing is, after the first year, many people don't breast feed anyway. Then you are on to milk. It actually is a shorter period than people think and in the end most children's health, I think, comes down more to the parents lifestyle and genetics.

An old argument and what I'm saying is nothing new, I know. I just don't want to think of another woman, like me, frightened to death that she'll hurt her baby if a liquid doesn't come out of her boobs. Seriously, that's all it is, you are no more or less a good mother, you just don't have as much liquid coming out of your boobs. And hey, the liquid comes in a can. Just wish the can came without the judgement.

Amy - posted on 08/18/2010

Formula is healthy babies all over this country are well and healthy and have never had a drop of mothers milk. Yes all the experts frown on it and encourage you to breast feed it is way better for your baby to have mommy than a can. But there should not be any feelings that you are misstreating your little one because you can't make enough milk or have to go back to work. I breast fed all three of my kids but they all weened themselfs before a year so they all got formula too all are alive and well the oldest will be 15 in a few weeks and the youngest will be 4 shortly too. Do what you need to do for you and the baby.

Carly - posted on 08/14/2010

Bah Katherine, you are obviously very narrow minded and do not like the idea of others having opinions. Enjoy the fascist state inside your head. We are all healthy people here despite formula feeding, and as for the obesity thing, I'm sorry but I'm looking at me compared to your family and thinking I'm on the right track.

Aicha - posted on 08/13/2010

Breast is best all my children are breastfeed and I will be breastfeeding my baby due in February 2011

Katherine - posted on 08/13/2010

Sorry you think that Milk Banks, which provide milk for NICU babies are retarded. Perhaps you should learn something about the subject before you spout off. Read the literature that is NOT sponsored by formula companies about formula and the fact that babies who are given formula have increased risk for ear infections, allergies, asthma, diabetes, leaky gutt problems, obesity, on and on and on. As for the US gov't making fast food and such illegal...with all the rest of the "infringements on personal rights" that the govt' is doing (mandatory health insurance, mandatory vaccines, mandatory electronic health records that can be viewed by anyone in the state offices, on and on) I wouldn't be surprised if they did try to do this. They're working very hard to make it illegal to buy any kind of healthful food already. If they were actually concerned about good health and nutrition, maybe they should make junk food illegal since many people do not seem to be able to understand the concept of either moderation, or abstinence from something that's totally horrible for their health!

Carly - posted on 08/13/2010

Yeah, I'll give my child milk from someone I don't even know, great idea. That's the most retarded thing I have ever heard, especially since 98% of the population have repulsive eating habits. As for formula 'endangering the life of a child' I really think you need to pull the stick out of your butt and rethink that comment. There are hundreds of thousands of people, myself and my daughter included, who were exclusively formula fed and we turned out just fine, better than many healthwise in fact. You are entitled to your own opinion, but so is everyone else and we are perfectly capable of making decisions and caring for our families in the best way we can.
As for that law in Indonesia, I'd consider that an infringement on personal rights. How would it go over in North America if suddenly the government decided that fast food/frozen food/alcoholic beverages/smoking/watching television was illegal because it's not good for you??

Katherine - posted on 08/13/2010

While I'm all for freedom of decision and such, I am NOT for that freedom when it endangers the life of a helpless child. Breast milk is not "best" it's NORMAL. Formula is INFERIOR, full of toxins and all sorts of additives which have NOT been proven safe at all. Women who can not, medically, breastfeed, should be giving their babies donated breastmilk. Perhaps if there were consequences (other than the long term health of the baby), women would think twice before cramming JUNK down their babies throats. Indonesia passed a law last October that is going into effect this October making it illegal for women NOT to breastfeed for the first six months, except if there's a true medical reason she can't. People who see "nothing wrong" with formula are part of the entire problem.

Sarah - posted on 08/12/2010

I know what the research says regarding breastmilk & yes I DO agree that "breast is best." BUT, my almost 11 month old son has been on formula from about 8-9 weeks old & he has never had any tummy troubles, never had a fever or earache...nothing. He is happy, well adjusted, and developmentally right on track. These are just my own observations of my son. I had a rough go with breastfeeding from the beginning & due to lack of proper BF support/education I gave it up too soon. I wish I would have gone longer, but it is what it is & he is doing wonderfully on formula. So why continue to beat myself up? I will try to breastfeed again with my next child & hopefully it will be more successful. :) But, honestly, I see NOTHING wrong with formula & women should NOT be made to feel guilty for their choices.

Carly - posted on 08/12/2010

No, I don't think it is necessarily healthy, but it is the only option I have for medical reasons and I think all the 'lactivists' out there should stop making people feel guilty about not breatfeeding, because it's not always a choice. And anyways, people SHOULD have a choice, what kind of world would we live in if we couldn't decide things for our families and ourselves??

Racheal - posted on 08/10/2010

i feel they think it is "comparable" because they dont want to feel so bad about there decision! lady's if your really set on breastfeeding you have to find a pedi that is pro breastfeeding, doctor DO get kick backs from formula companys!! it is hard the first few weeks and it is supposed to take a little bit of time, none of you were starving your child in the beggining. that just irks me to my core..its natural yes but eay..not at first, everyone just gives up so damn easy...anyway no need to start sending out milk increasing tips as i see all are on formula............

formula is disugsting and it is 1000000000% processed synthetic crap!! im my opinion! everyone is so anti processed food and junk so why not get rid of formula??? i fell that if it wasn't so easlily accessed then most woman wouldn't give up so freaking easy!!!!!

do research on what formula REALLY contains. then you will see why we call it unhealthy and disgusting!!!!

Amanda - posted on 08/08/2010

I feed formula (i really wanted to breastfeed! but after 2.5 months I had to stop). My son is growing nicely (in the 98% for weight and length)

Elizabeth - posted on 08/07/2010

I breast fed for 2 months, and then got Mastitis with both my kids, so I ended up using formula. Both my kids are healthy, for the most part. I think Formula is fine.

Katherine - posted on 07/31/2010

Sorry for the confusion, Janell! I was actually referencing Priyah and the DHA added to formula comment :)

Janell - posted on 07/30/2010

Katherine, I am not sure if sure if your comment was directed at me or not? But if it was, let me explain. I am not referencing formula lables. I am speaking on the quality of food the mother eats and how it affects the breast milk.

Katherine - posted on 07/30/2010

Um...actually...there have been no studies done on the efficacy of any of the additives they put into formulas. The FDA is actually telling the formula companies that they have to remove any health claims associated with the additives because there is no proof that what they're putting into the formula does anything. The only thing putting all that crap into the original formula crap has done is jack the price sky high. :)

Priya - posted on 07/30/2010

I had to use formula at the 1st week of after my delivery itself. It is healthy no doubt mum's milk is the best. Like for me, I don't have enough milk to feed my baby, it only lasted for 2 mths. So, formula milk is the next choice, obviously and it helped me alot. Now, all the formulas has lots of nutritions in it, like DHA, which is good for brain development and it helps. So, no worries.....

Janell - posted on 07/22/2010

If you, as a breastfeeding mother, do not choose to eat healthy, your breast milk will pass all the chemicals from GMO food to your child. A mother must start out by eating unaltered foods to truely produce breastmilk that is high quality.

Look at the vast majority of food lables and the chemical ingredients they include. The USDA denied a motion to lable food GMO or genetically modified, so it wouldn't put fear into the minds of the public. We are kept in the dark about where are food truely comes from, unless you educate yourself with the facts.

Here is the link with the information regarding mothers breastmilk being affected by GMO foods and passing along to your nursing infant.
http://www.nutritionresearchcenter.org/h...

Meagan - posted on 07/22/2010

formula has improved over the years & i used it when my boobs needed a short break - but what comes from ur body is always best. I have noticed in the comparison between formula babies & breast fed babies that formula babies don't have quite the immune system that breast-fed babies have. But I've also seen a few formula babies that don't have any problems.

Carolyn - posted on 07/22/2010

wow this is a passionate subject! do what is best for you and baby -that is the bottom line. I didnt have enough to feed either of my daughters so I did breast milk & formula together - they are both so happy and healthy and so am I. I am sure as you read the ingredients you will find that it has all the added extras that sometimes even mums dont have if they dont have good quality milk (iodine, nucleotides - both very important in brain and nervous development) I was recommended two brands from my pediatrician and have stuck with that recommendation and havent looked back - happy mum, happy baby, happy home.

Rachel - posted on 07/21/2010

Our bodies are designed to produce milk for our young. I believe breast is best! :-)
Some, unfortunately, are not able to breastfeed. I believe this to be because they don't have the proper support. Mental and spiritual affect milk supplies.
I read an article in Mothering Magazine, in which the author wrote that if the study results looked not at the "benefits" to breastfeeding, but rather looked at the risks of formula feeding, everyone would see a different picture. We are made to breastfeed our babies. Breast is best! :-)

Katherine - posted on 07/21/2010

Formula is not a perfectly healthy option. Studies are proving that children who are raised on formula have higher chances for obesity, diabetes, ear infections, allergies, immune system problems, and on and on and on. I'm not saying there isn't a place for it, at the very bottom of the list of what should be given to a baby in the event that mom is not ABLE to breast feed, nor am I saying that every child who has had formula will have health problems, I'm simply saying that they have a higher risk for many health problems. The sad reality is that we, in the US, have been brain washed by formula companies who are only in the business to make money. They single-handedly almost managed to wipe breast feeding out, and had a very huge hand in the major fight that breast feeding women are now engaged in (fighting for the right to breast feed in public, and not have people say it's gross, or sexualize it, or tell them to go sit in a dirty bathroom stall while they nurse). There did not used to be these problems at all. I think formula should be a very restricted commodity and reserved only for those babies who have absolutely no other choice.

Michelle - posted on 07/21/2010

Formula, while it is not breast milk, is perfectly healthy option for a baby. Whatever your or anyone elses reason is for using it should not be frowned upon. A whole generation of children (myself included) were raised on it and it is ten times better today then it was back then. I fed it to both my boys because I was unable to produce enough breast milk and both have grown well and have been very healthy with few illnesses.

Katherine - posted on 07/21/2010

I will never again let formula anywhere near any of my children. I fought for a long time to EBF and wasn't able to. The pediatrician tried to scare me into using formula and I walked out on her. I found donor milk and under NO circumstances would I EVER pasteurize breastmilk from a donor. If I am unable to breast feed my next child (due in late Oct) I will be finding either a wet nurse (have many BFing mothers around me) or finding donor milk again. I never paid a cent for our donor milk, nor would I ever charge a cent (if I were able to donate). Since I drove all over creation to pick it up, I never paid shipping either. I did offer, and in most cases, reimbursed the donating mother for the breast milk storage bags. However, that's an expense I would have had myself if I'd been able to BF, so it wasn't actually an expense.

Rebecca - posted on 07/21/2010

Wow - I had to respond to this one - formula feeding is just fine - my children were both fed formula and they are healthy and happy and have incredible immune systems. Our jobs as mothers are hard enough, there is nothing more upsetting than when another mom tries to make new moms feel bad about this decision.

Vanessa - posted on 07/21/2010

I breastfed my children each until they were 1 years old as I believe breastmilk to be the best. However, if you choose not to breastfeed your child for whatever reason or you cannot breastfeed and this makes mom and baby happy, who is anyone to judge or feel guilty. When I had my 3rd child there was a lady in hospital with me. We became friends later. In hospital both her and baby were misrable trying to breastfeed, she eventually gave him formua and they both got some much needed sleep. So I guess you should just make sure that the formula you are going to use, is the best one available.

Connie - posted on 07/19/2010

Absolutely. I wasn't able to breastfeed because of medication I was on and had this question also. I felt good when my pediatrician told me that she had been formula fed. I figure if her formula fed mind allowed her to go to med school, it's probably pretty good stuff. Although she does recommend breastfeeding if you're able, there is nothing wrong or unhealthy about formula feeding.

Crystal - posted on 07/17/2010

i breastfeed my daughter for 4 months and she was on formula i think its health i didnt produce enough milk so i had to get my doctor to give me some meds that help produce more milk and it didnt help me much so i trusted formula for my daughter when she was 7 months they switched name brands and it caused her to get acid reflux so she had to drink soy formula she was health with using formula

Rhiana - posted on 07/17/2010

The chocolate formula is a toddler formula, and has 28 g of sugar, so it needs to be bypassed. That is just disgusting. You feed that to your kid and then they will never learn to drink unflavored things, and you will also see childhood diabetes and obesity rise!

I have 4 children and I breastfed my last 2 (I am currently nursing my 11.5 mo old) My 1st 2 were formula fed. It's not unhealthy, but I don't think that anyone would argue that breastmilk should be the 1st choice. I did try to breastfeed my 1st, but I was 21, knew NOTHING about it, and so I freaked out when he wanted to latch on ALL the time. I didn't know it was normal!! I worked w/ the hospital lactation consultant, and made it through the 1st day. Between the pain of nursing for the 1st time, and the pain of delivery, I decided to just use a bottle because there was no sense in fretting over it. That child is now going to be 11 in October! Because of that experience, I didn't even attempt nursing my 2nd child, who is 19 mos younger than my 1st.
When I became pregnant w/ #3, I was determined to nurse, so I picked up books and read about the ups and downs.
I am not one of those who will force the issue on someone eventhough I feel strongly about it. I will,however,help whoever needs my help, to show them how to get through the tough times.
I'm sorry for those who had issues and couldn't nurse. Try to read up on it, go to breastfeeding classes if its something that you would really like to try next time. And don't be afraid to ask for help. Nursing should be a bonding time, not a worrying time.
So no, I don't think that formula is unhealthy. So long as baby is getting fed!!

Angela - posted on 07/16/2010

My daughter could not latch properly and so after a month and a half of excruciating pain on my end and a baby that would not gain weight, I put her on formula. She thrived, we were both happier and it was definitely the answer for me. She is now 7, reading at a grade 5 level, active, intelligent and healthy. Do what is right for YOU and don't let anyone tell you that feeding your child formula is abusive. Mothers should support each other. Sure breast is best, but if you can't or just choose not to, your baby will NOT suffer from it. Hugs!

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/15/2010

There are places where you can get free donor milk. It's a private set up through a person that matches moms who want to donate with moms who need milk. I saw a site for it. The lady who started it sets you up and all you pay is the shipping to get the milk from your donor. You pasteurize it yourself so it is safe. Sounds nice!

Mae - posted on 07/15/2010

Chocolate Formula? I've seen it for toddlers but they have it for infants now too?! Wow! The other ideas that you have posted seem idealic. The private milk donors maybe a good idea if there are safety protocols in place. The only problem that leaves is cost. Even if it is safe to do the milk donors or wet nurse many can't afford it. My husband and I are both college students and I know there are many like us we had to use WIC to get our daughter the basics and I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't cover that. :) I do think that breast is the best though. If we have more I will try again

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/15/2010

Oh and there are private milk donors who can pair up two moms so one sends milk to the other and they teach you how to pasteurize it yourself. Not too common but it is a growing way to feed babies.

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/15/2010

I do not mean to start a fight! I know of situations where formula is the only way you can feed your baby. But now there is chocolate formula! I mean goodness that scares me for future generations.

Mae - posted on 07/15/2010

You are asking a brave question there because people get militant about it...that being said, I was unable to breastfeed though I really wanted to and tried until the doctor told me I was starving my baby. She was formula fed and has been in the 95% for size and for development according to her doctor. I think that if you can breastfeed it is always best but when things don't work out the way you want it to there is absolutely nothing wrong with fomula.

As for the milk bank most hospitals have very strict guidlines on being able to use that resource ie. preemies, babies with serious immune deficiencies. Wet nurses? really I would never let another woman breadfeed my child because you never know what she is putting in her body

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/14/2010

oh sorry kristen, i should have put that in...

Exercising other feeding options
18. The vast majority of mothers can and should breastfeed, just as the
vast majority of infants can and should be breastfed. Only under
exceptional circumstances can a mother’s milk be considered unsuitable
for her infant. For those few health situations where infants
cannot, or should not, be breastfed, the choice of the best
alternative – expressed breast milk from an infant’s own mother,
breast milk from a healthy wet-nurse or a human-milk bank, or a
breast-milk substitute fed with a cup, which is a safer method than
a feeding bottle and teat – depends on individual circumstances.
19. For infants who do not receive breast milk, feeding with a suitable
breast-milk substitute – for example an infant formula prepared in
accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards, or a
home-prepared formula with micronutrient supplements – should
be demonstrated only by health workers, or other community workers
if necessary, and only to the mothers and other family members
who need to use it; and the information given should include adequate
instructions for appropriate preparation and the health hazards
of inappropriate preparation and use. Infants who are not
breastfed, for whatever reason, should receive special attention from the health and social welfare system since they constitute a risk group.

the link to this page is
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/20...

Kristen - posted on 07/14/2010

How is formula the 4th choice for infants? I understand breast milk would be first choice but what are the second and third options?

I use formula and my kids are healthy.

Emily - posted on 07/13/2010

I had trouble breastfeeding my son and had to first suppliment his feeding with formula then switch to formula all together. My pediatrician helped me make the decision to switch for everyone's best interest. I do think that breast milk is the best option, but under certain circumstances formula is an appropriate food for your child and offers good nutrition. My son is now 2 yrs old and happy and healthy.