Not that I think this negates the argument that breastfeeding is easier on
the environment, but the diet of the breastfeeding mother should be taken
into account, too.  A lactating woman who eats animal products to make up
her extra caloric needs is placing her nursing child higher on the food
chain than a child who subsists on cow-milk formula and two steps higher
than soy formula.  (Another reason not to "drink milk to make milk!")  Has
anyone done an analysis of the differences taking this into account?

I'm guessing due to extra packaging and manufacturing and transport for
infant formulas versus animal-based foods for older children and adults, the
environmental costs are still higher for feeding formula, and the health
risks of formula will require excess resource consumption to support the
health of those who did not/could not do what biology would naturally have
them do.

Rosemary McNaughton, LLLL
Northampton, MA

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