‘Breast is best’ vs. ‘formula is fine’

When it comes to breast-feeding, the pendulum may be swinging back from “breast is best” to “formula is fine.” Among the reasons: assertions that the health benefits of breast milk may be exaggerated, the perception by some that breastfeeding advocates are overly judgmental, and new research indicating that mothers who nurse may face negative economic consequences.

Dr. Phyllis Rippeyoung, assistant professor of sociology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada, shares data from her working paper on the economic consequences of breast-feeding.