Exclusive Breast Feeding vs Formula: Which is the real Villain?

Sometime last week, there was an argument sparked up by a “UK doctor” on one of the most popular social media platforms, Twitter, now known as “X”, that had everyone in a chokehold. What began as one tweet turned into a big fight. It was messy, heated and definitely caught attention. 

If you have spent a lot of time on twitter, you’d know one thing for sure — ignorant people have strong opinions about EVERYTHING - and yes, breastfeeding is no exception. 

It began with this tweet and boom! 

Some people with no babies in sight and zero experience in feeding one, dived into this conversation about how mothers should feed their children. You’ll hear things like, “Breastfeeding SHOULD be the only way!” or “Formula is just a lazy option!” as if these choices aren’t personal and often influenced by real-life challenges.

Now, let’s get into it—Breastfeeding Lovers vs. Formula Fans. Who’s really got it right, and does it even matter? Let’s find out!

Breastfeeding Lovers

Exclusive breastfeeding is a game-changer. Breast Milk isn’t just food - it’s an immune booster packed with antibodies that protect children from infections and allergies. Breastfeeding also helps the uterus to shrink faster and lowers the risks of breast and ovarian cancer. It's nature’s two for one deal. 

Sure, it sounds cost effective- no bottles and no formulas. The tweet highlights breastfeeding as a “money saving hack” which is oh well, controversial. 

But breastfeeding is far from easy. Mothers face challenges like cracked nipples, mastitis, engorgement and low milk supply which can make the experience exhausting and painful. Add in, sleep deprivation, societal expectations and the workplace, it becomes a tough mountain to climb. 

Mentally, exclusive breastfeeding can feel isolating especially for working mothers without the right support group. It’s often idolized as the “best” and “most natural choice” but that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest or even possible for every mother. 

Also the mother has to eat a lot, and not fast food but healthy meals, and not everyone can afford to purchase healthy food with the state of the economy.

The whole idea of breastfeeding as a simple solution completely ignores these hidden expenses and the emotional toll it takes on moms. Statements like “exclusive breastfeeding should be a “MUST” can feel dismissive and insensitive of the sacrifices involved. 

Here’s the thing: breastfeeding isn’t always a choice. Not every mom can do it. 

Now let’s head over to the Formula Fans!

Formula has been a lifesaver for many moms and babies, designed to imitate the essential nutrients in breastmilk, while providing a safe and healthy alternative. 

It’s given to babies due to various reasons, failure of lactation, inability to produce enough milk, and other medical conditions. 

It’s a solution that was born of science and necessity, giving countless babies a strong start in life.

In places like Nigeria, formula feeding is heavily judged. People act like if you can’t produce milk, you’re somehow a “fake” mom. Some even claim that formula feeding is for women who are “afraid of sagging breasts.”

There’s also a belief that breastfeeding makes a woman a “real mother,” while formula feeding is seen as “less maternal”. Formula feeding doesn’t make a mom less committed to her child’s well-being—it’s a choice made out of love and consideration for what’s best in that particular situation.

For mothers, formula feeding has its own set of advantages. It offers flexibility- mothers can return to work and also share the feeding time with their spouse which eases the physical and the mental strain of early motherhood, especially for women recovering from difficult births and dealing with post- partum depression. 

Let’s not forget, it can be a lifesaving option for moms with medical challenges that make breastfeeding unsafe for the baby. 

But here is where it gets messy, Formula is expensive, and for families struggling financially, it can be a major burden. The expenses don’t stop at the formula itself; the bottles and other feeding equipment add up to the pile of costs. 

Exclusive breastfeeding might seem like the better financial option, but the situation is more nuanced than just labeling formula feeding a lazy choice.

For some families, it’s not just one “cocofelon”. It might be multiple babies and as much as mothers might want to go through the breastfeeding route, one may eventually have to buy formula. 

The Myths

In Nigeria, we hear things like, “If you don’t take breast milk, you’ll be dull in school” or “Formula babies don’t bond with their moms.” 

These stereotypes are false and bring a harmful message to the public. Intelligence isn’t entirely dependent on what a baby is fed, and love is not limited to the act of breastfeeding. Mothers who use formula still care and connect with their babies just as much as those who breastfeed.

So, What’s the Tea?

Here’s the bottom line, what matters most is a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Breastfeeding is wonderful and great, but sometimes it’s not possible for some women. Formula feeding is a valuable alternative that deserves just as much respect. 

Why do we think we have the right to dictate how others do motherhood? Are we so quick to judge because we think we know better, or because it’s easier to criticize than to offer real support?

At the end of the day, it’s simple: Whatever the method, as long as the baby is fed, loved, and thriving—why does it matter? Every mother has her own journey, her own sacrifices, and her own reasons for the choices she makes.

Mothers are the experts on their own lives, and it’s time we start listening.

I would like to hear your thoughts too. 

Written by: Oni Kehinde