Introducing Freedom in Infant Feeding: No Stigma AssociatedAfter eighteen years of failed IVF trials1 and ineffective fertility drugs, my aunt had put up a wall against the provocations of a society that measures individual success based on one's ability to reproduce. When my aunt gave birth to a healthy baby, she was forced to fight a new wave of criticism. She had difficulty producing an adequate amount of breast milk and soon after giving birth she fell ill with the flu. Worried about making the baby sick, my aunt decided not to breastfeed until she felt better. Unfortunately, taking time off caused her to completely lose the ability to breastfeed. During this time, she was troubled by all the older women in our extended family who asked her why she didn't breastfeed, criticized her for her inability to produce milk, and couldn't understand her reasoning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life and preferably up to twelve months or however long both mother and baby desire. Breast milk provides babies with protection against multiple diseases, healthier growth and digestion, and closer relationships; however, in some cases, breastfeeding is not an option for young mothers. In such circumstances, women should be educated about infant formula and alternative feeding methods so that they can make informed decisions for their infants. Breast milk meets your baby's needs and growth patterns better than any formula substitute. A mother tends to produce just enough milk to fill her baby's stomach, so she doesn't have to worry about underfeeding or overfeeding. Additionally, the milk content changes as... middle of paper... ugh nutrients for the baby until the mother is able to produce enough milk on her own. Mothers who are unable to fully breastfeed can take steps to ensure their formulas are FDA approved and contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The formulas available on the market differ in quality and content. Milk-based formulas often prove to be a healthier option than completely artificial powder. This type of information should be made available to all expectant mothers, so they can choose which feeding method is best for their baby before being forced to make a coin toss in choosing a brand of formula. We should educate young women about alternative forms of eating and the benefits and drawbacks of each by actively distributing brochures in gynecologists' offices, offering classes to expectant mothers, and supporting nonprofit television programs..