A Fresh Look at the Risks of Artificial Infant Feeding

Abstract

Declining breastfeeding rates and the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes has blurred the distinction between breastmilk and formula. Claims that infant formula is safe, economical, easy to use, and nutritionally complete are challenged in this article, the intent of which is to raise the awareness of health workers to the non-publicized side of infant formula. Non-proprietary, referenced data is provided to illustrate that formula and breastmilk are not the same thing, and that health outcomes of infants who consume each may be different. Guilt is often cited by health workers as a reason to avoid informing parents about the risks of artificial feeding. Suggestions are offered for addressing this reasoning.