I understand what you're saying Barb, I really do, but in my experience and in the smug, educated, middle-class, we KNOW breast is best/better/optimal (whatever phrase is preferable because I can't be bothered with the semantics) circles I move in, women DESPERATELY want to breastfeed and many women I know, like me, absolutely put themselves through the wringer trying to do it. We crucify ourselves with guilt if we do any of the things that we're not meant to - including giving the odd bottle of formula or a dummy.

So to be told that giving a bottle here and there can radically affect the breastfeeding journey to me seems disingenuous because I don't think it does in the majority of cases. So why don't advocates just say that? Why don't they say that in some cases, not all, it does cause problems. It's unlikely but it can. Rather than the message that I hear (and maybe it's only my interpretation of the message) which is, "do NOT give bottles if you can absolutely avoid it because it will most likely cause problems." To me it feels patronising to be told not to give bottles when most of the women I know would ONLY give them as a last resort. Not just when they're a bit tired and can't be bothered, but when they are genuinely at the end of their tether.

BTW, even though I think we're having a robust discussion Barb, I love your work and really appreciate the fact that you're replying and that I'm getting the opportunity to discuss this with you.