As a mother who breastfed her child, I’ve become deeply aware of how emotional and personal feeding choices are. This isn’t about guilt or shame — it’s about education, awareness, and informed choices.
Many people don’t realize the complex history of infant formula and the impact of its marketing, especially in less economically developed countries. Understanding this history helps us separate truth from marketing, and empowers parents to make the best choices for their children.

Formula Was Created for Survival
Infant formula was developed as a substitute for breast milk when breastfeeding was not possible — a life-saving product designed to ensure babies could survive in difficult circumstances.
Over time, however, aggressive marketing turned this survival tool into a fashionable or “modern” alternative, often undermining the natural practice of breastfeeding.

The Epidemic: When Marketing Went Too Far
In the 1970s, multinational companies, particularly Nestlé, promoted infant formula in Africa, Asia, and Latin America through free samples, hospital “milk nurses,” and targeted advertising. Mothers were encouraged to use formula in hospitals, which often reduced their own milk supply.

Once the free supplies stopped, many families couldn’t afford formula or lacked access to clean water and proper sanitation — a combination that led to malnutrition, infections, and sadly, many infant deaths.

References:

• War on Want (1974) — The Baby Killer: Link
• WHO: International Code of Marketing of Breast‑milk Substitutes (1981)
• UNICEF: Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Guidance
• NBER Working Paper (2023) — Formula for Disaster: The Costs of Infant Formula Marketing in Developing Countries: Link

Targeting Vulnerable Populations
Less economically developed countries were particularly vulnerable to these marketing practices. Companies saw higher profit margins in areas with weak regulations, and the result was dependence on formula and a decline in breastfeeding.

This wasn’t simply a matter of choice — it was a systemic issue where profit motives conflicted with public health.

What This Means Today
Even today, formula marketing persists globally. Packaging often promises extra vitamins or “premium” benefits, and new parents may feel pressure or guilt around feeding choices.

Important points to remember:

• Breastfeeding and formula are not mutually exclusive. Formula exists for when breastfeeding is impossible, insufficient, or needs supplementation.
• Awareness matters. Understand marketing tactics and their history so that feeding decisions are based on knowledge, not fear or social pressure.
• Safe preparation is crucial. In any context, clean water, sanitation, and proper guidance are key to infant health.

A Gentle Reminder
If reading this makes you feel defensive or anxious, pause. This is not about blame. Good parenting isn’t measured by feeding method — it’s measured by care, love, and informed choices.

Truth isn’t meant to shame — it’s meant to empower.


Further Reading and Research

1. War on Want (1974) — The Baby Killer: https://waronwant.org/resources/baby-killer
2. WHO: International Code of Marketing of Breast‑milk Substitutes (1981): https://www.who.int/health-topics/infant-formula
3. UNICEF: Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Guidance: https://www.unicef.org/nutrition/breastfeeding
4. NBER (2023): Formula for Disaster: The Costs of Infant Formula Marketing in Developing Countries: https://www.nber.org/papers/w31191
5. Lancet Series on Breastfeeding (2016 & 2023)

Conclusion
Feeding your child is an act of love, but it’s also an area where awareness matters. By understanding the history of formula marketing, the risks in certain contexts, and the facts about breastfeeding, parents can make choices that are informed, safe, and right for their family.