Michelle Obama, who launched a campaign to help reduce childhood obesity, has openly said that formula is a perfectly fine way to feed a baby. She also shared that she loved using jarred baby food because it was easy and convenient. It’s a good reminder that supporting children’s health and recognising the realities of parenthood can go hand in hand.

We took my baby out and a woman who is a wife of our friend met our baby for the first time. She saw him and said “Aww my gosh he is precious you can tell he’s getting that good milk! I can always tell a BF baby from a FF baby. They just look different. Good job mom!” Well. My baby has never had an ounce of breast milk. ( I tried and my body physically made no milk at all. Never got engorged, not even a drop made. 2 different lactation consultants and my OBGYN had no answers. Anyway.) I told her “Actually, he has been on formula his whole life! No breast milk at all.” She looked at me like I’d just admitted to dropping the baby on his head repeatedly. She said “Oh no he’s a breast milk baby I can tell!” I once again said, no never has, and I then proceeded to make his formula bottle in front of her and feed him. It’s the first time I’ve felt smug about being a formula feeder! So if you’re worried anyone can “tell” your baby is formula fed- they absolutely cannot!!

I had someone respond to me through chat about one of my post about baby experiencing an increase in spit up when Ready to Feed and powder formula were added to the same bottle. I wanted to know if someone else experienced this as well to ease my worry while I waited for doctors appointment. They claimed to be a pediatric nurse and were asking me questions about my baby's health. On the day they messaged me, they checked in to see if my baby had a bowel movement 3 times after I initially said I'd send them a picture of the diaper when baby goes and then they followed up again the following day. This set off alarm bells so I went with it. Once the picture of the poopy diaper was sent, they asked if baby had a diaper rash and I responded with no. Then they asked me to send them a picture of my baby's genital area so they can exam it because rashes can be really hard to spot. I told them I'd made a doctor's appointment and that there's a time and place for everything and that kind of exam is for the doctors office only. They apologized, I pretended to be understanding while I tried to figure out how to report this interaction for Reddit to further investigate. The account was only 8 days old at the time and they were only apart of subreddits that were about children and parenting. That same day, they deleted their part of the conversation. Today I checked on the profile again and it has been deleted. There is no reason why someone with good intentions would need to hide.

I believe this person is preying on vulnerable parents who may be worried about their children. I'm willing to bet they're apart of this subreddit under a new profile. Please, please, please do not send any pictures of your children no matter how non-threatening and innocent the other person may seem. I'm posting this in all the subreddits they were apart of to warn parents who might be in a vulnerable state. It never occurred to me that there would be predators on here doing this.

I wanted to post this to hopefully encourage someone out there. My baby will be 4 months in a couple of days and she is happy, healthy and meeting all her development milestones, but we had a long journey to get here because I had a complicated high risk pregnancy that resulted in C-section.

Before my little milk goblin was born I read everything and anything there was out there on breastfeeding and pumping, got 3 electric pumps because 1 was not enough plus a manual pump. I was determined to make breastfeeding work for us, I thought that if i worked hard enough my milk supply would be there, boy was i wrong.

From day 1 my daughter refused to latch, she said I have to work for it no thank you and proceeds to let go of my

Breast and scream bloody murder until we put a bottle in her mouth. So pumping it was, but milk took almost a full week to come in and when it did it was barely drops in 1 pumping session i would get half an oz from both breast combined (this was due to my own health condition) And once i pumped enough to give a full bottle of breast milk my baby was not satisfied and seemed gassy.

The guilt was eating me alive I had failed on what I tought I would succeed at, and after 3 agonizing weeks of missing out on my baby's newborn stage and my mental health going down the drain I decided to quit and exclusively formula feed ( I did this with the encouragement of my obgyn and my beautiful husband), And while it's the best decision I have made, the guilt was still eating me up inside. My family made that guilt 10 times worse with their rhetoric that breast is best and I was feeding trash to my baby by giving her formula.

So my beautiful husband went on a mission for me, he research formula feeding and showed me how wonderful it was, signed us up for WIC, got me every glass bottle in the market to see which on our little milk goblin would like, got a glass pitcher to do the pitcher method, bought me a bottle washer and stack me up with so much formula my heart just swelled, he made me fall in love with him all over again and even harder than before. The amount of serotonin I get from looking at my set up and the knowledge that my little chuggers has all the milk she could ever need made my guilt melt away. I can finally feed my baby without crying, and I can enjoy the cuddles and her smiles.

If you are reading and still have guilt from formula feeding, I hope my story will encourage. Formula is wonderful and it saved me and my baby.

This is a vulnerable and shame ridden post. I hope you can hear me out before downvoting me to hell.

I was one of those "breast is best" moms. Before I had my baby I drank the kool aid and was OBSESSED with EBF, the benefits of breast milk, WHO's advice and I was planning on EBF long term ("until the baby wants"). This is not the worst part though. The worst part is that I judged other moms that didn't think like me and that used formula. And I made sure I voiced my opinion online.

Then my baby was born and she could not latch. She was early, small, weak and at risk for several things and needing to keep her blood sugars up. She ended up in NICU for 24H to be fed via NG to bring her sugars up. And she continued to not latch. I exclusively pumped for two months and became suicidal, detached from my baby and my husband. Once I decided enough is enough and introduced formula all changed for the better. My baby and me are securely attached, she is chunky and healthy, has never been sick and I feel happy again.

Sometimes I wonder if what happened to us is "karma" for how fucking nasty I was to other moms and if that is the case is well deserved. I really need to apologise for how shitty I behaved and how judgmental I was when I wasn't even a mom yet. No matter how much you "sacrifice" yourself in the name of breastfeeding your child if you are not happy or there for the baby, it would be 100x better if they are only formula fed.

At least I learn two big lessons: formula is not the devil and how to shut the F up.

I guess it was worth it.

I was going to breast feed exclusively. We did amazing in the hospital. "You're both naturals!" "Are you sure this is your first?"

First night home. Baby won't stop eating. Won't stop screaming. My nipples are bleeding. Sobbing, I beg my husband to go get formula right now. Why wasn't I amazing anymore?

I still want him to have breast milk. I start pumping. Nothing comes out. For what feels like the millionth time, I start crying.

My milk comes in. I pump every 3 hours around the clock. I produce enough to feed him just 1 formula bottle a day. I feel amazing again.

I haven't slept for more than an hour at a time in weeks. I start cutting out night pumps until they're all gone. I stretch day pumps out to every 4 hours. I'm lazy. The guilt eats me alive.

My supply drops. He's getting 40% formula, then 60%, then 80%. I decide I will stop when he's 2 months old. I can make it until then.

Just tonight, baby is upset and only wants me. But I can't be there. I "have to" pump. I haven't all day. I have to. I have to. I have to.

I don't, and I know it's done. I won't be doing it again.

I snuggle my baby. He falls asleep in my arms. Maybe I'm not amazing, but I am present. I am free.

ratemysetup

I still have a little hope that maybe one day it will work out and I can breast feed. But until then, I love this machine.

I know that there has been tons of research on how good breast feeding is for baby's but what research has been done on formula? I'd love some reassurance on the heath benifits of formula.

Hello! I saw many posts from parents who were (rightfully) concerned about their babies who had been consuming ByHeart. I know a lot of the symptoms of botulism can kind of coincide with normal baby development, such as drooling or fussiness that can come from teething, so I thought I’d make a post to tell you guys what made me realize my son was sick. He is currently 4 months and was taking ByHeart from September 30 until the recall. After we stopped it, we didn’t notice many immediate changes in my son. I remember there were some days he seemed a little off but my family and I thought it might have to do with his vaccines. Honestly, we missed a lot of the initial signs because we just thought it was normal baby stuff and if we had gone to the hospital, they probably would’ve sent us back. He eventually became a lot more fussy, he was unable to get to sleep and stay asleep which was super unusual for him - he’s always been a good sleeper, and his bowel movements seemed to be getting irregular with diapers also being a lot less heavy. At some point he became less interested in eating and was also having a hard time drinking, sort of not being able to get a good suck/latch on the bottle - we thought this had to do with teething because he was also drooling quite a bit (didn’t think to much of it cause it’s normal at this age but looking back it was excessive). My son was also very fussy, which was unlike him. He’s had his days but this was very constant. He was napping a lot but still unusually tired. My son’s cries that are normally super loud ended up getting quieter and weaker as well. Ultimately, the thing that made us take him to the hospital was his head lag - we tried doing tummy time with him and he would immediately drop his head. He couldn’t lift it at all and that’s when we knew something was seriously wrong with him. Botulism tends to affect your upper extremities and works its way to the bottom - it’s important that any floppiness/weakness in babies is addressed immediately because the sooner you do, the better. I am sure many parents are scared and rightfully so - never be scared to advocate for your children, even if it seems like you might be “doing too much”. The sooner this stuff is caught in a baby, the less complications there will be. I wanted to share not to scare anyone but to let parents know the things you can look out for in your babies that have used ByHeart.

I also want to add for any parent that may have to deal with their child being sick/is currently dealing with this (which I truly hope it does not happen to anyone), while you are going through it, everything is so awful and you will have endless questions and just overall keep wondering what’s going to happen next. But there is truly light at the end of the tunnel. Recovery might be fast, might be slow, but with botulism it is pretty much guaranteed. Now that is not to excuse the disgusting actions of ByHeart or to say that any of this is okay, but just to comfort any parent going through this 🧡 your baby will pull through! Sending so much love to every parent out there and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

A few weeks ago, I had my lovely, sunny, smiley six-month old daughter’s check up, who’s been strictly formula fed since Day 3 of her life. The doctor was saying how healthy, and warm and social she is, and then turns to me and goes “Your breastmilk is magic”. I said, she’s formula fed. The doctor goes like “Oh…well the formula is really good then”, but seemingly taken by surprise. Her look was priceless.

Just a reminder that babies thrive on formula, and even doctors can’t tell if they are breastfed or formula fed! In case anyone needed to hear this 🤗

It finally happened y’all! I didn’t think it would ever happen to me but today I sat down in a cafe and popped a bottle in my daughters mouth when a STRANGER approached me and asked how old my baby was and she commented on how cute she looked today in her little dress.

My smile then immediately faded when she looked me straight in the face and said “you know there’s no shame nursing in public right? You don’t have to give the bottle. It’s not good for her as she needs the breast for comfort.”

Her smile then immediately faded in return when I said “well she’s not going to get formula from a boob is she?”.

She then proceeded to ask me why I’m not nursing and if I at least had a good excuse for it, how dare I harming my baby and impacting her intelligence and immune system like this. I shut the conversation down at that point and explained that was none of her business but omg the audacity of people.

Formula saved my mental health. I’m a better mum because formula exists and my baby has no GI issues anymore since switching.

Very grateful for our baby’s pediatrician. I never planned to formula feed because I was so convinced I would be able to EBF. She combo feeds, but is like 80% formula. Not having a supply of breastmilk has been so stressful and has come with so much guilt. But honestly this makes it a little easier. Baby is 6 months and is doing so good with formula!

Background: I am currently an EBF mom who previously EFF my older child. I will one day build giant gold statues of my boobs and a canister of formula — they both fucking rock & should be immortalized for all eternity for all they have done for my children.

I am on the verge of angry tears because I cannot visit any pumping/breastfeeding space that doesn’t make me wanna rip my fucking hair out with the sanctimonious whining, high-horse riding, victim-mentality perpetuating, science- denying, dramatic-ass bullshit.

This was inspired by a post on the exclusive pumping subreddit talking about how Bobbie ads are terrible and make it seem like pumping & breastfeeding are just so stupid and mean nothing & formula is just so much better. I almost had a stroke reading the comments, unfollowed the sub, and blocked a ton of people because I simply cannot pretend this shit isn’t insane anymore. It has come up repeatedly during my time in these spaces and if makes me fucking furious.

”Formula companies are so predatory! They shouldn’t be allowed to advertise!”

Fuck off. Expeditiously. EVERYTHING having to do with feeding a baby is predatory, including the almighty breastfeeding ads peddling snacks that help your supply but don’t actually, $40 nipple shields that show the milk coming out, basic items that are marked up to high heaven bc someone slapped the word “breastmilk” on them (an insulated lunchbox for $5 vs a breastmilk cooling bag for $20), the pads/bags that are marked up the same way, the fancy flanges that promise you’ll get more milk if you use them — the list is never ever ever ending.

ALL of that is predatory!!!! It is preying on women’s fear/desire to give their baby “the best” through any means necessary. If you have no fucking problem with influencers peddling $300 breast pumps with cups full of half and half claiming they got 300000 more ounces with this pump than with the other $300 pump they were shilling last month, you should have no problem with Cardi B talking about Bobbie.

Also — formula companies advertising formula isn’t fucking preying on any one. Sorry not sorry. 🤷🏼‍♀️ As long as they are not claiming to be more nutritionally sound than breastmilk — which they don’t — they’re aren’t preying on anyone.

What people mean when they whine about that shit is: “This company is presenting formula as a viable option for infant nutrition! They aren’t circlejerking breastmilk and couching formula’s existence in disclaimers about how you should try EVERYTHING else first, including unregulated donor milk from Facebook marketplace, before even thinking about poisoning your baby with this devil substance!!” It’s fucking INSANE to say that showing women/men who chose formula for whatever reason is hurting anyone. It’s insane to say that presenting families with a NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE, SOUND, HEAVILY REGULATED & MONITORED option to feed their babies is somehow bad, or exploiting people’s insecurities. It isn’t.

Especially when these pump & lactation supplement ads DO exploit people’s insecurities & encourage spending literally HUNDREDS of dollars for something that MAY work!! People recommend a million products to get your supply up, and that’s just fine, even though for the majority women, these magic flanges and pills and cookies and massagers won’t make an ass bit of difference — it’s okay to encourage women to spend alllllll their money on them because it’s in pursuit of the almighty boob milk. Fuck the fact that it likely won’t work at all, just try it, okay!? It’s money well spent.

But encouraging money spent on a substance that will 100% guarantee your baby’s nutritional needs are met while you attempt to up your supply or simply let it go because you cannot torture yourself anymore? That’s a fucking war crime. How evil of these dirty rotten formula bastards!! I won’t give them any more of my money!!!

Fuck off.

”But these ads downplay how valuable breastmilk is and the benefits of it and what a sacrifice it is to breastfeed!”

They don’t, though. They’re just not overstating the nutritional benefits like you want them to.

Nutritionally, formula and breastmilk are equally viable options.

Yes, breastmilk has passive immunity that can be passed. Yes, that counts for something.

But no, it isn’t necessary. And all formula claims to do is provide the necessary nutrients your baby needs. And it does.

It feels like downplaying to you because breastfeeding IS a sacrifice, and it’s hard to feel like you’re sacrificing something for only minimal gain.

But ya are. And that’s okay. It can still be worth it to you, and you can still choose to do it! But everyone around you is not required to pretend you are the patron saint of motherhood, savior of your baby’s health.

You aren’t.

”Formula ads delegitimize how hard it is to breastfeed & we deserve to be celebrated for our hard work!!”

That’s really what it all comes down to. Wanting pats and congratulations and points and props and thumbs ups for being such a super excellent martyr mom.

Formula being presented as a legitimate choice inhibits you from receiving all those things because it makes breastfeeding what it actually is — a choice. Not a duty or a moral obligation or a supreme gesture of selflessness.

Just a choice.

I hope your partner and your friends and your family celebrate the choices you make and the work you put it to seeing them through because breastfeeding is a lot of work!! But the whole world is not obligated to stop and prostrate themselves at your feet for your choices. You don’t deserve to feel like a better mom than people who use formula. You just don’t. Because you aren’t. Sorry bout ya.

An honorable mention of sheer stupidity to the comment that said “I know there is a stigma around using formula, but the pendulum has swung too far.”

L o fucking l.

The pendulum hasn’t moved, and the whiny moaning about evil formula ads helps it stay right where it was.

Anyway. Rant over.

(As an aside : my formula fed 5th grader has an IQ of 142, reads at a 9th grade level, and has had the flu once her entire life. Your kids are going to be fine, I promise.)

So long story short, my 4 week old is on nutramigen. Not necessarily due to cmpa, but he has issues digesting regular formula. His pediatrician recommended nutramigen which has made a world of difference. As we all know, nutramigen and ALL hypoallergenic formulas are wildly expensive. I had explained to her at his 1 month appointment that while we plan on continuing this formula it puts a tremendous strain on us financially. I applied for wic and make JUST over the cut off so that is not an option sadly. His appointment was two days ago and she called us personally this morning to check on baby and she said that the formula rep would be in the office and that she would have some samples for us. Funnily enough, the rep was in office when I showed up and when I walked in, they had two CASES just for us in her office. The three of us (pediatrician, rep, and myself) chatted and they are going to do their best to get us help from our insurance and if that doesn’t work, then they will get us help through enfamil.

Y’all… when I tell you I wanted to cry when she handed the cases to me… I was in disbelief. I was only expecting two cans. It means so much to have a provider who takes their job and their patients seriously. Baby was added to my health insurance and I just got my first paycheck with both of our medical taken out and it’s an extra $100 per check which hurts. This definitely made my whole week 🥲

It is amazing that we have something that is man-made, nutritionally dense, available and developmentally appropriate for babies.

Formula saved my twins' life because I couldn't produce milk. I will never not be thankful that this actual MIRACLE food exists.

That's all.

If you have nipples, you can make it work. You just have to want it badly enough and try hard enough. If you’re struggling, just push through and keep putting baby on the nipple.

Oh, and make sure you eat lots of oats. For the best milk, you need to feed yourself as if you were a prized dairy cow. (After all… you are!!) I’ve been eating oatmeal for three meals a day for the past 11 months and while I only poop once a month and have noxious gas all the time, it is so worth it. Breastfeeding is the most beautiful and natural thing I’ve ever done. About a month ago, I finally just stopped tasting the oatmeal—made it so much easier. I put it in a cake decorating piping tube and just squeeze it down my throat. Three big tubes of oatmeal a day and your milk will be perfect. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever done. So natural, my body was made for this and so was yours.

Don’t worry about the medicine you can’t take. Have you tried just not needing it? If you work hard enough and want it badly enough, you too can cure your depression and seasonal allergies and ADHD and even cancer so it doesn’t impact your breastmilk.

Everyone knows that a woman’s time is worth SIGNIFICANTLY less than a man’s. That’s why I’m proud to pump every two hours all day every day—finally my time is worth something to someone. After all, breastfeeding is my entire identity and if I can’t post pictures on Facebook of a fridge full of frozen breast milk (while also shaming any horrible, lazy, stupid mom who gives her baby toxic formula, of course), what am I doing with my life? It’s the highlight of my day! After, of course, the breastfeeding. It’s so natural. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever done. I hope I can do it for a decade. I’ll make sure my son knows how natural and beautiful it is so he isn’t embarrassed if his friends find out he is still nursing. Remember though, in between pumping sessions, you need to put baby on the nipple as much as possible. That’s how you make your supply better and how your body knows what your baby needs!

There have been some challenges. Ever since he started teething, he has been chewing my nipples off. Literally. But the “pink milk” gives him so much extra iron. It makes me mildly dizzy and is just excruciatingly painful, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This is the most beautiful, natural thing I have ever done. And remember, you have to just keep putting baby on the nipple!

Some babies are also just fussy. Purple crying is totally normal at any stage. He screams during and after feeding and only sleeps for 30 minute intervals, but that’s just how he is. Remember, keep putting baby on the nipple. My milk is just what he needs. My body wouldn’t make him milk he can’t digest! I cut out all dairy, allergens, and flavor from my diet so I know it’s not my milk that is the problem. It’s beautiful and natural, and the most amazing experience of my life.

His doctors insist he keeps losing weight, but he was born small. He’s just small-boned. Not every baby looks like they have been eating McDonalds all day (aka the formula of the burger world). He was born small for a reason. God knew my super tight vajayjay couldn’t handle anything bigger—he just has a little head. He’s just small!! Some people think he doesn’t get enough to eat, but they just don’t understand. My body custom makes the milk for him—my body knows what he needs.

I have an older child that I haven’t spent time with since I gave birth to her sibling, but I know she will understand. Especially when she becomes a mother someday and realizes that breastfeeding (aka the most IMPORTANT thing you could ever do for your child) is so time consuming. She herself nursed until he got here, when I had to cut her off cold turkey so my body would start making the right milk for him. I don’t want it to be confused by her toddler body. Now that I have a new baby, she just has to grow up.

Anyway, thanks for reading. As this is the “Formula” subreddit, I know you have probably never heard about how selfish, lazy, cruel, and horrible you are for choosing to use formula. I know that after reading this, you will change your neglectful ways. After all…. The only way you can show your baby you love them is with breastmilk. And if you love them enough, you will be able to make it work. As you will learn once you decide to see 10 lactation consultants, breastfed babies are better than formula babies in every way imaginable AND imaginary!!!!

You’re welcome :) now you can rightfully feel superior to all the moms who feed their babies toxic poison made out of chemicals 🥰

I feel like there should be more of a community for mums who never wanted to breastfeed and just chose to give baby formula because this seemed like a more convenient/appealing option for them…. I understand that some mums wanted to BF and couldn’t, but there seems to be some kind of taboo in mothers saying that they never tried to BF or had any interest in this? I feel like there’s such a pressure for mothers to sacrifice their bodies and lifestyle to do what’s “best” for baby, and of course some women really enjoy BF, but we all make lots of parenting decisions that aren’t “the best” because they are the easiest/best for OUR lives generally

I've always supported formula feeding—fed is best. Still, I wanted to exclusively breastfeed for the bond. However, my SO’s family pressured me to EBF, labeling anyone who didn’t as a "quitter."

My baby was born at 38 weeks, weighing just 6lbs 3oz. By day 3, she was lethargic and seemed to be comfort sucking rather than feeding. Despite this, the pediatrician reassured me that she was getting enough as long as she was peeing, which she was—barely. Her weight dropped to 5lbs 10oz.

On day 4, I couldn't stand watching her struggle, so I supplemented with formula, against medical advice. But it wasn't enough. By day 5, I rushed her to the ER due to worsening lethargy and feeding issues. They also insisted she was fine and to wait for my milk to come in, but my instincts said otherwise. She weighed just 5lbs 15oz.

Day 6 was a nightmare. I tried exclusively breastfeeding, worried about my supply and hurting her if I didn't. Despite good latch and suck, she remained sleepy and weak.

Finally, on day 7, a lactation consultant confirmed my fears—I was producing almost no milk. My baby was starving, and I was devastated. I’d done everything right—hydration, rest, food—yet felt like I’d failed her. The shame and pressure were overwhelming.

After that appointment, I decided to switch to formula. I couldn't handle the stress anymore. My baby needed food, and formula was the answer. Within 12 hours of exclusive formula feeding, she was happier and more alert. Formula made her thrive, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

The formula fairy had great resources on this matter, but this needs to be talked about in this sub.

All formulas are ‘clean’. European formulas are not ‘better’ than American formulas. They all undergo extremely strict regulations. Infant formula is the most regulated substance.

When you say you want to give your kid ‘the best’ and then talk about kendamil being ‘clean’ or Bobbie, you are saying that parents who feed their babies Enfamil or Similac are somehow feeding their baby something that’s bad for them.

I’m so tired of this. Y’all realize that the ‘clean’ formula thing is all marketing, right? Look, you have the right to feed your baby however whatever formula you want. But don’t be fooled. Don’t act like ‘unclean’ formulas are poisonous.

This mindset is no better than lactivists saying breastmilk is golden and formula will give your child health problems.

If your baby does better on Bobbie, that’s great! If they do fine on Similac, that’s great! All formula has the right ingredients to make your child grow and be healthy.

We have a very mischievous and smart (yes, of course he is orange) cat. He has been very interested in the baby brezza formula maker and will do anything he can to lick the funnel 😩 he’s obsessed with baby formula.

Obviously, this is disgusting and we don’t want him doing it. I’m sick of constantly cleaning the funnel every time he gets to it. We tried covering it up with a towel, didn’t work. Then a piece of paper as pictured which worked for a couple days but this morning, we found it ripped so he had clearly broken in.

Does anyone have this issue with their cats? How do you protect your machine from them!? We don’t have a cabinet it will fit in. Of course I’d love to not have cats on the counter but he has no interest in abiding by any laws. And no we will not get rid of him because we love him even though he’s very bad.

He’s pictured here in basement prison while we cleaned the machine this morning so you can see what we’re working with.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the messaging around infant feeding, and I wanted to share a perspective I rarely see acknowledged.

We’re often told that breast milk is superior in every way, that it’s biologically perfect, full of immune-boosting components, tailored to the baby, and unmatched by anything man-made. And to a large extent, that’s true. Breast milk is remarkable.

But here’s the thing: if breast milk is so uniquely complex and powerful, then the creation of infant formula is an extraordinary achievement. Humans managed to develop something that allows a baby to thrive, grow, and be indistinguishable from their breastfed peers. That’s not simply a second-best option, that’s a miracle of modern science.

We’re also told that breastfeeding is “natural.” And of course it is! But nature is not always kind. Nature is not a moral guide. It is indifferent. The idea that “natural” is always better is a fallacy, a romanticised, and often privileged, view of biology that ignores the suffering it can bring. All you have to do is walk into a NICU and see the babies fighting for their lives, supported by modern medicine and loving parents. Nature never intended many of those babies to survive, but we did. We intervened. We saved them. And the world is a better place for it.

Formula, in my view, is the same. It’s part of how we’ve reshaped what survival, health, and parenthood can look like. It’s part of the same progress that brought us safe C-sections, incubators, and antibiotics.

Breast milk is wonderful. Formula is wonderful. What matters is a fed baby and a supported parent.

Been saving these from every can of formula to get a total cost. 29 cans at an avg of $42 per can (Kendamil Organic) makes it $1,218! About $200/month… not bad imo, for comparison my 2 large dogs cost about the same to feed a month 🤣