Benefits of bfing over ffing?

[you]

Okay I'm writing this on the back of reading the bfing thread in aibu but putting it here as I'd really like it to not turn into a gunfight if at all possible please :)

With regards to the risks of formula feeding an otherwise healthy term infant in this country, and presuming all other environmental and social factors are the same, what are the risks, really? I've rad the leaflets and been on a UNICEF course and am totally pro breastfeedibg, however I can't help but think a lot of the benefits are emotional rather than physical especially as the child gets older.

I've read a lot of research but a lot if it does show extra factors to be involved such as making up bottles indifferent.

So, IF a mother makes up the bottles correctly thus vastly reducing her chances of gastroenteritis, feeds baby in arms rather than with a bottle propped up against a cot side which seemed contribute to most babies ending up with ear infections, feeds on demand as would a bf mother etc what is a baby in this country really likely to end up with, risks wise? I believe the allergy link is pretty poor evidence wise so all were really left with is 3 points worth of iq and of course the not insignificant lack of antibodies, so more coughs/ colds pressumably but anything long term?

I really am interested so please let's not turn this into a debate as they all go the same way are boring :)

And sorry for any silly typos am on my iPod and the spell check is dire.

Crystal, I think expecting to sit on the sofa and be waited on helped enormously.

I had got the impression such things were necessary well in advance of giving birth.

As for nutritious meals: lots of takeaways it's bollocks that you have to eat like a Buddhist monk to bf successfully.

I made that post up there ^^ because it occurs to me that we never see bfers on MN trying to justify their decision.

If it's all the same and there are no risks to ff, then why would that be.

Oh, yes, sorry, it's all the propaganda and the lactofascists innit.

Mrsgordonfreeman - of course it isn't the same. But for some people there are reasons for FF or advantages to it and it is important for those people to have the risks clearly stated so that they can make an informed decision. Just saying "there are risks" is insufficient.

"Whilst I agree with foxytocin that formula is an alternative breast feeding and is not actually poison I do think people that don't know very much about breast feeding are always very quick to suggest formula instead of actually thinking of ways to work through a problem which will enable a mother to continue to breast feed."

Precisely. Suggesting formula to a mother who is struggling with any aspect of breastfeeding is not support. Yet it seems an acceptable and common response to a myraid of issues. Baby too big, baby too small, colic, baby wanting cuddles, cracked nipples, flat nipples, mastitis, mother needs medication...

that is not supporting the mother's choice. that is undermining her.