The response by the public service announcement is wonderful, but leaves out
one very important point.  Many babies DIE from the results of formula
feeding.  Saying deaths from dehydration due to breastfeeding is rare, is
accurate, but will still leave many parents saying to themselves "I'd better
not risk it.  You know if even a few babies die from breastfeeding, I'd better
play it safe and formula feed my baby."  Parents have walked into my office
and told me they have been told this, especially by the older generation.This
is another time we need to quit "tippy toeing" around this issue.  Saying
breastfeeding is good, nice, healthy, better, is fluff.  We need to say it
like it is .... formula feeding is 4th best (according to WHO), babies may
live but are sicker, more likely to die, and are more likely to have a
multitude of life long problems.

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA
South-Central Virginia, USA