I do not feel that these are mutually exclusive.  Yes, we would like to see
all babies getting their nourishment (physical, psychological, etc.)
directly at the breast. Realistically, this is not always going to happen. 
Many factors-social, physical, emotional etc. can interfere.  When we are
talking about a mom who really wants what is best for her baby, but it just
isn't happening at the breast, we know that for many moms the only
alternative seems to be going to formula.  Sometimes we can help her see
continued breastfeeding as her best option, but too many times the myriad
of factors are so many, so complicated and so deeply imbeded that in our
short time with her at this particular time in her life, our impact is very
limited.  In these cases by showing her the 3rd option (pump and bottle
feed) we ARE advocating for the baby because otherwise, that baby would
receive formula.  Yes, I wish all babies were directly breastfed, but at
least getting human milk by some means is so far superior to artificial
concoctions that I feel that by making a mom at high risk for not
breastfeeding aware of this other approach, I am helping that baby get the
best available to him/her at that point.

Winnie

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