Susan - you asked if anyone else endorses the occasional use of formula for
breastfeeding moms who seem to like this "crutch".  Yes, I do.  I've worked
with several moms who just seem happier knowing they can use an occasional
bottle (sometimes once a day, especially in the evenings).  And I'm
absolutely convinced that they breastfeed for a longer time than they would
have done had I been too "purist" about this.  If they're really determined
to have what they think is the best of both worlds then I go into rave-mode
about mother's milk being soooo valuable that even *one* breastfeeding a day
makes an enormous difference to the baby's health (implying that more is
even better ..)  As I say, I'm absolutely sure the baby ultimately gets more
breastmilk because of this less-than-perfect promotion.

Today I followed up a l9 day old fourth baby who is now receiving two
breastfeeds per day.  His three elder sisters received absolutely no
breastfeeding at all (another time, another country..long disastrous story
..) This falls way short of perfect, but the mother is so proud of her
achievement, and I'm ecstatic!  I guess it's all relative...  But I think
your heart is in the right place Susan, go for it!

Pamela, Zimbabwe