Jon,
I agree with you that the statement about formula not harming babies is there
to make the Dr.'s feel better about not making the moms feel gulity.  My only
question is why do we have to make moms feel guilty about choosing to formula
feed just by giving them accurate information?  We aren't the ones causing
the guilt.  If a mom feels guilty about giving her baby something that is
known to cause harm to babies, that is not comparable to breastmilk, that
will not stimulate brain growth, give antibodies, etc., etc., then could it
be because she knows that she is not giving her baby the best?  If moms have
the correct information about formulas, what they are made of, what things
they do NOT do for a baby, what things they do TO a baby (diarhea, etc.),
 then maybe they would think twice before giving the stuff to their babies.
 Then they wouldn't have to feel guilty, because their babies would be
getting the best.  I feel that Dr.'s should feel guilty about using
statements such as were in that handout.  They should feel guilty about not
giving their patients the best and most up to date information.
In my opinion, a woman has a choice as to how she feeds her baby.  There are
some women who, for whatever physiological reasons are unable to breastfeed,
and for them, formula is the only choice.  But, for those who can breastfeed,
they need the most accurate up to date information so they can make the best
choice for their baby's health.  Then, after getting that information, and
understanding it (key point), then if they choose formula and feel guilty,
it's no ones fault but their own.

Off my box!

Jay.
LC2B
Sacramento, CA