So the latest research from the World Health Organisation on the benefits of breastfeeding over bottle feeding has caused a hoo-hah. Again.

And the World Health Organisation has been lambasted simply for reporting the facts. Again.

Breast vs bottle

It all started when the results of a new study revealed that bottle fed babies are 25% more likely to become obese compared to those who are breastfed.

According to the research, this is because formula milk is developed from cow’s milk and has a higher level of protein, which triggers the growth of fat cells in a way that breast milk doesn’t, because it’s made from natural hormones.

breast vs bottle

The study is the largest of its kind so far, featuring 30,000 children from 16 European countries, yet, once again, the World Health Organisation has been accused of putting unnecessary pressure on women to breastfeed, and shaming mums who can’t or don’t want to breastfeed.

Breast vs bottle: why do we get so mad?

‘It’s just another way to make mother’s feel guilty’, ‘it’s making mums feel like they have to breastfeed’ and ‘it’s another stress on new mums’ are just some of the (furious) responses I’ve read in response to the story, which at the time of writing has garnered thousands of comments across the platforms which have reported on it – both from those who breastfed, and those who didn’t.

And I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s what the World Health Organisation is doing at all.

breast vs bottle

It’s the World Health Organisation’s job to research and publish facts – that’s what it does – in order to help us, the world’s population, make informed choices.

They don’t exist to make mother’s feel guilty; they’re not saying we have to breastfeed our babies and they’re not trying to pile on the pressure for new mums, either. They’re simply researching and reporting the facts, which is what they’re supposed to do.

Breast vs bottleSo why do we get so defensive, and take offense so easily, when it comes to breastfeeding? And when it comes to breast vs bottle, why do we get so mad? I just don’t understand it!

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you liked this you may also enjoy reading:

Breastfeeding at two – what happened next

7 reasons why I won’t potty train my youngest

Why I gave up my dream job to breastfeed