Lots of interesting thoughts. Many of you might also be interested to know that the poll about cross-nursing associated with the article in the second post (I think it was) has, at this point in time, had more Yes responses to No (that is more people think it's ok for a baby to be breastfed by someone other than the mother than not).
Absolutely I would prefer my child to have the breastmilk of a friend or relative, or screened milk bank ebm than formula. The risk of passing disease or illness through breastmilk is very small. This is proven by research and supported even by the conservative AMA. The risks of formula are well known and well documented. Definitely not every baby given formula will have a problem, but it far riskier based on solid research than another person's breastmilk. Culturally it might be an issue as sharing breastmilk is not something we come across every day - when it is done it is usually done discreetly - but medically and nutritionally it is very normal and safe.
One point about formula being life saving for a hungry baby. This is not always true. For premmie babies formula can greatly reduce the survival rate even here in our developed country. In underpriveleged countries, the use of formula causes the death of babies. Several every day sadly. Where there is not access to safe water to make it up. Where it is given in contaminated bottles. Where due to lack of money to buy formula, or lack of literacy, the formula is not mixed in the right ratio. Where the baby is alreay ill and can't tolerate the contanimants. This is a reality. Breastmilk can and does save lives. This is fact.
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wonderful post MR
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