Good Questions 14: Is feeding with infant formula much worse than breastfeeding?

Is infant feeding with formula much worse than breastfeeding? It’s complicated, so this essay explores the evidence and ways to think about it. There is a clear global consensus that in any population, feeding with infant formula is not as good as breastfeeding for infants’ health and also for their mothers’ health. Infant formula manufacturers agree. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate about when feeding with infant formula might be acceptable. Undoubtedly, compliance with the global recommendations for optimum breastfeeding is low partly because many new parents and policymakers believe there is little difference between the health impacts of breastfeeding and feeding with formula. It is important to consider not only the ranking of alternative methods of infant feeding but also the degree of difference between them. Is the difference small and unimportant or substantial and important to consider when choosing among the options? There should be an orderly way to take account of not only the relevant scientific knowledge, but also parents’ views and circumstances related to infant feeding.