by Jenny Shaffer

Created on: October 29, 2009

Today's new mothers are aware that breast milk is superior to formula for their newborns. Try though they may, factories cannot reproduce the exquisite perfection of nature's milk created for a specific baby. Studies have shown both health and emotional benefits from breast-feeding. Every mother would do well to attempt to overcome any struggles that hinder the breast-feeding process. They are due support by medical professionals and partners alike. Lactation consultants are readily available for advice as well.

However, there are many reasons that this perfect balance can be disrupted. Illness of mother or baby or separation will hinder the natural process. Adoption is another common situation where the biological mother is not likely to provide for the child. In cases such as these a second best option is necessary.

Expressing breast milk with the use of a hand-held or mechanical pump can be an alternative that may be viable to some. Some parents are able to purchase at great cost and hassle, expressed milk from a storage bank. There are risks and benefits to be weighed in this emerging market. If those choices are not viable the only option is to formula feed.

Mothers who fail to produce the liquid gold that is the ideal standard are often subjected to judgment and feelings of inadequacy. They encounter disapproving looks and harsh comments while purchasing formula or even for carrying bottles in diaper bags. There are activists who wish to take formula companies to task simply for marketing their product. Women are hiding in dressing rooms not to breast-feed, but to nourish their bottle-fed infants in peace.

There are adoptive mothers or women who are incapable of producing adequate nutrition for their children that go to great lengths to attempt to artificially create or expound lactation. Women need to be able to heal from the pain of not participating in this one aspect of motherhood and focus on the health and well being of the family.

Parents or caregivers who must formula feed, or even those who willingly choose to bottle-feed need not be subjected to the outcries of others. These individuals need support and above all, a reputable formula company unhindered in their mission to produce the best possible substitute in order to nourish all children.

There should be high standards in place to ensure that infant formula is safe and includes the best available balance of nutrients needed for growing infants around the world. The issue of poor water quality in some parts of the world needs to be addressed so that formula fed babies reap the greatest possible benefits from their food.

It is not disputed that breast is beast, but formula is fine. Yet, there is no room for stigma or smugness in the business of feeding the young. The ideal should be improving the health of society through all means available, be they natural or manufactured.

For further information regarding breast vs. bottle see: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/your-babys-feedi ng-breast-vs-bottle

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