Breastfeeding has many benefits to both mother and child, benefits that have been well studied and consistently shown for decades. Babies who are breastfed have lower rates of respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal and ear infections, as well as lower rates of allergies, SIDS, diabetes and many other illnesses that can impact their life-long health. Breastfeeding mothers also experience health benefits, from decreased postpartum bleeding and depression to long term decreases in diabetes and breast cancer.

While infant formula has been improved over the years and offers an alternative for women who are unable or choose not to breastfeed, even in the best circumstances it has disadvantages. Formula is expensive and can cost families several thousand dollars a year in direct costs. Increased illnesses in formula fed babies also result in higher healthcare costs and loss of wages for parents who have to miss work to take care of their child. By increasing breastfeeding to optimal rates in the US, up to $13 billion a year could be saved on these indirect costs, according to analyses by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Assistance and Nutrition Research. As a result of the importance of health and economic benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges that breastfeeding be viewed as "a public health issue and not only a lifestyle choice".

The impact of formula feeding on poor and developing countries can be even more profound than what is seen in the United States. Many women in these countries are malnourished and falsely believe they would be unable to produce milk with adequate nutrition for their children. Aggressive marketing by the formula industry, a multi-billion dollar industry, often focuses on poor areas and promotes this and other inaccurate information about the benefits of formula. 

Continue reading about the importance of breastfeeding here.