Is Breast Really Best?

While there are many benefits to breast feeding your infant it is
not always necessarily the best option. In a bid to increase breast
feeding rates in Australia experts have suggested that infant formula
be available through prescription only. That includes going to the
doctors getting a prescription then going to the local pharmacist and
getting the formula made up.Experts also go as far as saying that
formula manufactures should also be banned from marketing their
products to the public. They claim that new parents believe that if
they try to breast feed and if they can't do it that formula is just
as good and see it as a easy alternative.However in recent weeks this
recommendation has caused public uproar. It seems that many new
parents would find it inconvenient and time consuming to have to go to
the doctors just to feed their baby. Not to mention the paranoia and
feeling of guilt that most new mothers already feel if they are unable
to breast feed their newborn baby making formula prescription only
would add to this.It seems that a majority of the public including new
mothers believe that it should be the parent's decision and it is not
realistic to have to go to the doctors just to be able to provide food
for their child. They believe that prescription formula would have bad
implications for those who cannot breast feed.Not only will it be time
consuming, to go to the doctors to get the formula but it will also
come at an added expense. Adding up the money for fuel to get to the
doctors and the pharmacist, plus the doctors fee then add on the money
that may be lost if time off of work is needed, there is already the
cost of nearly 3 tins of infant formula in just one trip to the
supermarket. This added expense could have huge implications for
families already struggling to make ends meet and poverty among lower
class citizens would rise.There are many reasons why breast feeding is
best-bonding time, health benefits both for baby and mom including
reducing the risk of SIDS. If you cannot breast feed your baby due to
many reasons-single dad, no milk, inverted nipples, work etc then why
should it become an inconvenience to get formula and be made feel like
you have failed your baby as you were unable to breast feed.So while
breast may be best in the eyes of experts it isn't necessary the best
option for all parents and their babies