Regarding the response when a mother reports her doctor says there's no real difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding:  My first response would be to talk about what other doctors say.  (Kind of an "on the same level" response)  Something like, " Yes, some doctors feel that way.  However, there are many others, especially those that have studied infant feeding beyond the little they get in med schools, who would strongly disagree.  In fact your doctor's own professional association (AAP, ACOG or whatever) has stated........."  Depending on what you know of the mother, her response, etc. then I might go into some of the specific differences and or recommendations.  This response does not set up an "us vs the doc" atmosphere, but does let her know that that specific doc's statement does not represent everyone's view and implies (or leads her to infer) that he/she is speaking outside what the profession as a whole has stated.  I'm sure
 she will be able to sense your own stand from a response such as this, and you have not specifically contradicted her doctor.  It is ridiculous that we have to play this kind of "game" when reacting to stupid, inaccurate, mind blowing comments that are sometimes passed off as "good medical advice".  However, while on the one hand we try to do everything we can to educate the public and professionals, we also have to keep our jobs.
Winnie Mading IBCLC, RN, LLLL

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