This post and the next one were originally written as a post on a local bulletin board — but I think the topic is important enough to cross-post here.

I think it’s fairly safe to assume that most of the moms on this board are pro-breastfeeding. Yes, breastmilk is what nature has designed as the best possible food for infants. But, we also know that for many moms, breastfeeding doesn’t work out for a number of reasons. I have friends who’ve anguished over finally throwing in the towel and moving to formula…but in the long run, their babies did fine.

This, however, is disturbing to me. Via Feministe, I found a link to this NYT article about the Department of Health and Human Services’ new campaign about breastfeeding. (link requires free registration) Here’s a (well-written, IMO) analysis of the problems with the campaign and article.

Beyond what’s presented, I’m really disturbed by the concept of putting a “black box warning” on cans of formula. While formula isn’t the ideal, it’s often the only option for women who can’t nurse. It’s not unimaginable (to me, anyway) that some (undereducated or non-english-speaking) women might see the warning as a reason to not feed formula at all and resort to other options (such as cow’s milk or soy milk) which don’t contain the nutrients needed by an infant.

C’mon…do mothers really need *another* reason to fight with each other? Seriously, people.