Should formula have a warning on it saying that breast milk is best?

Question

Personally, I think it should. Breastmilk is the gold standard. Anything else is inferior. And unfortunately some people don't know that.

It's not to make anyone feel inadequit for formula feeding, it's more to inform people that don't realize.

What do you think?


btw this isn't my idea, it was actually seriously debated by major infant formula manufacters. I can't seem to find a link on it though.

Answer 1

The FDA had commercials for it and there were formula feeders out there that got all in a tiff about it. Personally I think it should and of the formula feeding moms get all in huff about it then they are feeling conviction for not giving their baby what is best for them. I know that not every one can because of medications and such can dry you out but this is very rare.

One of my mom's friend's had her baby prematurely by 2.5ish months and the nurses told her there was no way that her baby could get enough breast milk to sustain him but she did it and her son never had formula. so if she can do then anyone can do it. It's all a matter of disciplining yourself. Plus its so much easier to pull the baby out of the cradle and latch em on in the middle of the night than to get up and mix a bottle.

Also there have been studies done that breast fed babies are generally smarter than formula fed babies.

Answer 2

Yes and it should have a warning that says most formula fed babies will suffer with constipation at least once before they are 6 months old, and some will suffer chronically.

It should say that cow's milk proteins can cause microbleeds in the intestines which may lead to anemia.

Soy formula should say that there is limited evidence that soy base formula is safe in the long term, as plant vitamins and minerals are not the same as human breastmilk or cow.

All cow's milk formula should be phased out for goat's milk formula. Which is closer to human milk and generally considered safer.

And the government should fine people for using language that denegrates breastfeeding.

Answer 3

I appreciate that some formula companies do include that message in their advertising, but I personally don't think it should be required for them to do so. Formula, mixed properly, has never been shown to have any life-threatening or even unhealthy side effects. There are things it has been proven to do less efficiently than breast milk, but never actually caused and health risks per se.
Therefore, I think a warning label is too harsh. It is a widely accepted and nutrient rich food for babies that supplies everything a baby needs to grow and be healthy. Yes, breastmilk is best, but formula will not hurt your baby if it is mixed properly and there are no allergic side effects.
I have breast fed all of my children at least through the age of 9 months.

Answer 4

Should chocolate have a warning that says fruits and veggies are better? That's ridiculous!!

I formula fed my first 2 babies and will formula feed my next one (due in May). My girls are just as healthy as any of their breastfed peers and smarter than most (and I have the test scores to prove it!).

So no, there shouldn't be a warning on formula, but Dr's should certainly inform their patients about the benefits of breastfeeding so the new mothers can make an informed decision.

Answer 5

First of all, I understand where you are coming from, and I nursed for two years. However, not all moms can nurse for many different reasons, and I think putting something like that on formula would be putting way too much pressure/guilt on new moms (who have enough pressure and guilt as it is), especially if they really wanted to nurse, and tried and just couldn't do it. Yes, there are groups/consultants, etc., to help new moms with nursing, but even they can't help every mom, or moms who are on medications, or can't produce, or the baby just won't latch, or whatever.

I think I would be very angry if I wanted to nurse, but couldn't, and had to see day after day a lable on my child's formula that said "Breastmilk is best."

Answer 6

I don't think that it should. It is not a health hazard, so it doesn't require a "warning". I agree that breast milk is best for the nutritional and immune building properties, and for bonding reasons. But medical reasons are not the only things to consider when making a choice between bottle and breast. If it was, that would be a different story.

Answer 7

Actually, all formula advertising and formula products DO say something like "breastfeeding is best.....ask your doctor." It's just usually in TINY print.

Answer 8

I thought in some of their advertisement they already did put that breastmilk is the best for infant.

Answer 9

they did all formulas say breast milk is best

Answer 10

No, because formula is not bad for the baby. Just because you have judged breastfeeding to be best for your baby, doesn't mean you get to dictate to anyone else.