Should mothers give infant formula to their babies?

Many women decide on one method before the birth and then change their minds once their baby is born, or in the weeks or months after. ... These health care providers can give you more information about the options available and help you make the best decision for your family. read more

The New Internationalist published an exposé on Nestlé's marketing practices in 1973, "Babies Mean Business," which described how the company got Third World mothers hooked on baby formula. But it was "The Baby Killer," a booklet published by London's War On Want organization in 1974, that really blew the lid off the baby formula industry. read more

For the first 6 months, breast milk is all your baby needs to meet his or her nutrition needs. If you wean your baby before 12 months of age, be sure to give an iron-fortified formula. Breastfeeding should continue until your baby is 12 months old (and after as long as baby and mom would like to continue). read more

In poverty-stricken cities in Asia, Africa and Latin America, "babies are dying because their mothers bottle feed them with Western-style infant milk," alleged War on Want. Nestlé accomplished this in three ways, said New Internationalist: Creating a need where none existed. Convincing consumers the products were indispensable. read more

For moms who can't breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative. Formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Some mothers worry that if they don't breastfeed, they won't bond with their baby. But the truth is, loving mothers will always create a special bond with their children. read more