What do you say if someone is coming out with a lot of rubbish about formula?

[Pruni]

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Yes Tamum, the eczema - my horrible skin and family history of such things was one thing (among many) that made me determined to bf.

The thing is, now dd1 is 5 I wish that I had had MNers to give me advice and support but at the time I was such a mess that just the word breast would have reduced me to tears so there was no helping me. Looking back I think lots of family members were biting there tongues so as not to make me feel worse. But I agree Pruni this case seems to have been a good one for offerring the facts/support.

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I think that too sometimes Pruni re worst case scenario- but at the time I don't think it would really have helped. I would probably just have gone 'Oh that won't happen to me, it'll be fine' or alternatively 'sod the bf, I'm off to bulk buy some C&G'

My breast feeding doesn't always prevent against skin complaints and allergies. The child I know who suffers worst with this is actually a young child who was exclusively breast fed. So whilst it might help some cases, it isn't a guarantee! Mum had to go entirly dairy free, and they had to introduce some special formula to help later on too.

No of course it doesn't, no-one would ever be dim enough to think it was a guarantee, surely? Statistically it is less likely in breastfed children than bottlefed, that's all, but that's based on very solid data from many studies.

I think you have to be very careful with this issue. I was so dtermined to BF that I didn't even have a bottle in the house. I never understood why a close friend choose to FF. Due to a medical condition I never got any milk come in. As I grieved at my failure my friend who choose to FF explained that she had chossen to FF because she'd suffered abuse in her teenager that meant she couldn't have anyone even her baby to touch her breasts. I think sharing your positive experience of BF is fine but bear in mind that everyone has a reason for FF as much as people have a reason to FF

No hard and fast rule.
I would never jump in with a big shouty speech but if inaccurate comments directed at me then I would correct in courteous and low key manner.

mm meant to say everyone has a reason to FF as much as people have a reson to BF

Oh I know that Tamum, but I would also avoid using arguements like that in such a situation as described - because of the number of people about who do have these ailments despite breat feeding. I think the situation is not stable and balanced enough to go for it TBH.