this is such an interesting discussion, can't help myself, have to join in.
Some background:
I worked as an engineer building sanitation arrangements in africa and support the opposition to the promotion of formula in the developing world - I saw mums who couldn't feed their babies themselves because they had moved to formula but now couldn't make formula safely!!
I wrote all over the place ensuring that my opposition to formula companies was known.
I refused to have bottles in the house when I was pregnant, I was going to breastfeed no matter what.
I tried and tried to BF my DD but she developed severe jaundice, was taken into special care and she was given formula.
I expressed BM for 3 weeks for her but only produced 5ml for 45mins expressing. Only at that time did we find out that I couldn't produce any milk - my hormone balance is totally out of wack!
All that said....I fully agree with the sentiments that the WHO rules and the law exist for a good reason and that laws should be enforced BUT...formula feeding is very expensive, over £7 a week for newborns and increasing by the time your baby is at the peak of milk consumption before weaning. Add to that the cost of water (yes, we pay by the litre!) and the bottles etc etc etc and its an expensive business.
I don't know what the answer is formula should not be promoted as the best answer but for those of us in a situation where our children would die without it (and no, I am not being over dramatic!) we should be cut some slack on both the cost of formula and the guilt for having to use it. DD is a healthy little 11 week old girl now and I did what I had to do for her but I still beat myself up, I could just do without the constant guilt trips about how breast is best. did you know that the formula companies even send you that message if you write to them for advice?
just wanted to join in, not criticising anyone, just providing another view.