Interesting but we all do what we have to. I was lucky enough to be able to breast feed all 3 of my kids but for those that cant….so be it.

Excellent information and great to know, but unfortunately some have no choice

I think that this sort of study would make mums try to persevere more if they can – many give up too early and I know I nearly did. Then a friend of mine said you are trying too hard – relax when you are feeding and it will happen. And it did. Had I seen this sort of study I know I wouldn’t have needed her advise.

There is a few brands of formula and various types of mixtures amongst them. If they only tested one it is hardly a 100% authentic study.
Mums need to not be made feel guilty if they are unable to breastfeed their baby successfully. There are Mums who no matter what they try cannot make milk with enough nourishment. You can have plenty but it have practically no nourishment in it. I personally know of such cases. To make matters more difficult, one baby was also lactose intolerant and only one brand of lactose free had no bad side effects on her baby.

I think some people are missing the point. We know breast is best we are fed that consistently. Scientific research is great and the more of it the better. It’s the comments she makes about breastfeeding that seem to be having a go at Mums who don’t. If you haven’t been through the agony that is trying to breastfeed and not being able to you can’t fully understand how difficult that is. I hope people don’t have to experience it because there is nothing worse than thinking breastmilk is best for your child and not being able to provide it. Studies have shown the devastating effects this can have on new Mothers. It is truly a traumatic and difficult time so to make off hand comments about it is just another twist of a very painful knife.

Wow, scientifically very interesting. Politically, here is another example of guilting those mums who can’t provide breast milk to their babies.

All the best to the young lass, but all that matters is that your child is fed, nurtured and protected.

Breast feeding is great if you can do it. sometimes it is not possible and those that cant should not be made to feel bad .I have been on both sides of the fence so to speak. What happens to the unfortunate mums that never produce any milk? I myself took 10 days before the milk came in. They found that out when I had baby no 2. On the other hand my nan fed 4 nippers and she had no nipples as such as she told me.. I breast fed three of my four kids but when I had the first one when the milk had not come in by day 5 she was put on carnation milk and water. She thrived and is a very healthy adult.

I don’t think the experiment is designed to drag women who can’t breastfeed down, but rather to show that if you can it should be what you choose. I was next to another woman in the hospital who I could clearly overhear talking to her partner saying that she couldn’t wait to have a drink after the baby arrived, etc. because she was planning to formula feed. This is wrong. I think everyone should at least try. Go back 50 years and women were encouraged to not even think about breast feeding, formula was fashionable. Of course fed is best. Calm down, people!

Well, good for you! Aren’t you a little sanctimonious? Unfortunately, not all of us are able to breastfeed – for medical and trauma reasons. So while you’re smugly sharing your wondrous experiment, I am happy in the knowledge I raised a healthy child on formula.

Breast milk is the perfect food for baby, and yes always choose this first. I feel sad when those who can breast feed choose not to, this is what should be discouraged for the health of babies. Having said that for a few breast feeding can be impossible and this is where formula makers need to make sure that probiotic bacteria is added, they still are taking short cuts to make formula and stricter controls in manufacturing formula need to be in place. There is also some mothers sharing their milk with others who cannot breast feed I believe. Glad I was able to breast feed for 2 years and then did not put my son on formula, but straight to sippy cup of rice milk with no problems.

Breast evidently and scientifically is best, that’s all she is pointing out. Not once did I read that she is shaming anyone for formula feeding. Everyone needs to stop bashing people for saying breast is best, they’re not attacking you! It’s a fact!! Obviously it isn’t possible for everyone to breastfeed, the world understands that, keep doing what you’re doing, this is science!!

This is amazing, and such good encouragement to mums that can breastfeed to keep going. I feel like breastfeeding is almost becoming like a taboo again, can’t mention it in any forum without being attacked & accused of belittling anyone who is unable to breastfeed for whatever reason. There is never one thing that is going to be applicable to & suit EVERY SINGLE PERSON. Society needs to stop being offended when something doesn’t 100% include them. Mums that breastfeed & mums that formula feed are equally great mums – they are both feeding & nourishing their babies with the best option they have. How mad has the world become where we can’t even encourage mums for fear of upsetting people who don’t fit into that particular category?

Absolutely fascinating !
My eldest was prem and I was on medication at that time and the doctors didn’t want me to breastfeed her. I cried tears because of that and felt very misunderstood by people who tried to convince me it was ok. But now many years later I’m totally fine with it, while I’m also totally convinced breast is best.
All I’m trying to say is that sometimes in our pain and hurt, our responses become very defensive.

Interesting. But I think it’s a personal choice and some women don’t even have a choice and cannot breast feed.

I don’t see this as an attack on mothers. I see this as an opportunity for the manufactures to go back to the lab and replicate the formula to within closer parameters to breast milk. There will always be a need for formula and they need to improve it.

Babies need a full belly, clean nappy and lots of cuddles, they really don’t mind where and how these things get to them as long as they do

Well im a foster mum so i cant breast feed
What about adoptive parents they cant breast feed either

No problem with the experiment but I do struggle with the constant need for people to say breast is best. I struggled for a long time not being able to breastfeed and the constant reminders that breast is best felt like a continuing reminder of what I saw as a failure. I would have breastfed if it was possible. I’m forever grateful there are so many great formula options now so my child is fed.

I agree with the previous comment. Having had difficulty breastfeeding and with my first child failing to thrive I’d hate to think where he’d be now without formula. Both my children are doing great and have good immune systems.
I think the “students” comments would have been better kept to herself and perhaps direct family and friends.