That is all.
EDIT: Boy, did this get lively. And we have a new term here: "Mom shaming."
Interesting how all these people interpret the question in the title their own way, one that has nothing to do with this simple question, nor its intent.
Is all the formula sold for babies whose mothers can't breastfeed? No. Has baby formula been around the 150,000 years that Homo sapiens has been around? No. There's a fundamental problem here.
We humans need to be free. Free from large corporations. Free from government. If babies are dependent on large corporations and "supply chains," there is something seriously wrong.
The globalists created a fake "women's rights" movement to get women out of the home into fake careers so they could control and tax them. It is at that point that so many children stopped being breastfed. For 150,000 years it was totally normal for mothers to breastfeed their babies, then suddenly not? Seriously question this.
So then a manufactured shortage of baby formula causes complete chaos.
You are being manipulated, folks.
Some mothers physically cannot breastfeed. Is the answer to that to make those mothers dependent on corporate supply chains? Isn't there a better way to handle this? Shouldn't this be something produced on a household or local level?
Lots of the discussion below sounds like a pack of Wokes. It is based on emotion, not logical thought. Playing victim is never the answer. Finding practical, local solutions not dependent on the globalists is.
Here is a quote from the comments: "It's pretty easy for a man or non-mother woman to talk about breasts." Why does this writer assume that's who is writing this post? And "Mom shaming"?
I think the point OP was trying to make is more that we have plenty of formula for those who need it, but not enough for those that want it. It is most certainly just a convenience for the majority of people. But your points still stand, it shouldn't be happening either way.
That is an oversimplification of the issue, and not accurate to all people in this situation.
Yes I'm a dude, with 5 sisters, a wife and plethora of family. Most all of of whome are not shy to talk about this issue.
I've experienced and been drug into more cabbage discussions to last a lifetime. (Helps suppress production if you are over producing).
I've had personal, up front experience with clogged ducts, screaming wives, emergency runs to the grocery store, pump repairs, bag runs, I could go on for a while.
All this to say, sensitive issue? You bet. Worth talking about? Yes! Crass as the question was, the point is clear. A lot of people have been convinced by advertising, formula manufacturers, doctors, coaches, bosses, most everyone that formula is either better for your kid, or just plain more convenient.
The latter is true, the first no. The enzymes and hormones in breast milk are far superior to formula, and better for the baby, giving it a host of benefits that is easily researched. This comes from the wife and a dozen female sisters, in laws, neices, etc, so no gruff for this coming from a man.
Now. Having said this, does that mean you are a bad parent if you are using formula? No, of course not. Lots of reasons to, and kids turn out fine.
IMO, OP was saying if you need it, use it. If you are using it w/o need, or planning to, and can switch to natura, do it.l. Didn't say it would be easy.
You can put breastmilk in a bottle. I think we're all having an unnecessary argument. In a free market, formula would be available to those willing to pay for it, and in a perfect world, every mom would breastfeed. Theres nothing quite like that microbial exchange the baby and mom get from breastfeeding, and nothing quite like being able to buy exactly what you need when you need it. Same team Farva!
I still say that wet nurses are the appropriate solution, as they have been for centuries and millenia. why did this disappear in favor of formula? SOY GMO formula?
and too many moms i know purposely didn't breastfeed because they didn't want saggy breasts - these should be a mark of honor, not shame. seriously.