Breast Is best — or Is It? Reframing the feeding conversation for 2025

Why it’s time to talk honestly about breastfeeding, formula, and what Mums really need

Few topics spark as much debate—or as much guilt—as how we feed our babies.

You've probably heard the phrase “breast is best”. And yes, breastmilk has incredible benefits, especially for baby. But what about the mum behind the milk? And what if breastfeeding just isn’t possible—due to illness, mental health struggles, medication, a complicated birth, or any other reason? At Lullabies, I believe we need to stop viewing feeding as a one-size-fits-all conversation. Instead, we should be asking:

What’s best for this baby, this mother, and this family—right now?

Let’s look at the realities of feeding in 2025, with compassion and evidence, not judgement.

The benefits of breastfeeding: Not just for baby

Most mums already know that breastmilk supports:

• Immunity
• Brain development
• Gut health
• Bonding

But the benefits for mums are often underplayed—and they really do matter.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of:

• Breast and ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Postpartum bleeding

It also triggers oxytocin, the “love hormone”, which supports bonding, calm, and emotional regulation (though not all mums feel this instantly—and that’s normal too). Breastfeeding overnight can also help regulate sleep hormones, which (ironically) means breastfeeding mums may get better quality sleep during those fragmented nights. But breastfeeding is a learned skill, and without the right support, it can feel painful, lonely, and overwhelming.

The truth about formula: why it’s not the enemy

Let’s say it louder: Formula is not failure. In fact, for many families, formula feeding:

• Protects maternal mental health
• Allows a partner or support person to take over feeds
• Makes returning to work more manageable
• Offers relief after a traumatic birth or NICU stay

For mums struggling with postnatal anxiety, depression or PTSD (especially after birth trauma), switching to or supplementing with formula can be a lifeline—not a last resort.

The return-to-work pressure in Dubai and beyond

Many mums in Dubai, the UAE, and the US return to work within 6–12 weeks postpartum—often with limited lactation rooms, short breaks, and no on-site childcare. The result? Mums pumping in toilets. Skipping feeds. Feeling burnt out and broken.

“I wanted to breastfeed, but I couldn’t make it work with my job.”
“I pumped on and off for weeks, but my supply dropped and I was exhausted.”
“I felt like I had to hide the formula in the changing bag.”

This pressure isn’t helping anyone. Supporting working mums means supporting all feeding methods.

When breastfeeding isn’t possible

Not every mum has a choice. Sometimes, the decision is made for her.

Baby admitted to NICU
Mum needs medication incompatible with breastfeeding (this is actually relatively rare, and often alternative medications can be prescribed so that breastfeeding can continue. Always check with a lactation consultant before discontinuing breastfeeding for this reason)
Traumatic birth and delayed milk supply
Mum is seriously unwell

These aren’t “excuses”—they’re circumstances. And yet, so many mums report feeling ashamed, unsupported, and excluded from the breastfeeding narrative. If this is you: You are still a good mother. Your baby is still nourished. Your bond is still strong.

What about “fed is best”?

This phrase popped up as a well-meaning response to breastfeeding guilt. But not everyone likes it. Some argue that “fed is best” oversimplifies things, ignoring the health disparities between feeding methods. Others say it puts all methods on a false pedestal of equality—when the evidence clearly shows breastmilk’s biological benefits.

But here’s the thing:
Fed is best may not be scientifically precise, but it matters emotionally. Because it says:
“Your baby is loved. You are doing enough.”

And that’s a message more mums need to hear.

Final thoughts: The real best is informed, supported, and safe

Feeding your baby shouldn’t feel like a test you either pass or fail.

Whether you’re:
Exclusively breastfeeding
Mixed feeding
Exclusively formula feeding
Expressing and bottle feeding

You deserve accurate information, non-judgemental support, and emotional validation.

At Lullabies, we offer: antenatal breastfeeding consultations, postnatal lactation consulting, feeding support for formula and combination feeding and postnatal planning for return-to-work

Because feeding is more than food—it’s connection, survival, and your story. True holistic infant feeding support means looking at the whole family, without judgement or preconceptions.