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Fed Is Best: The Unintended Harms of the "Breast Is Best" Message and How to Find the Right Approach for You and Your Baby
From the founders of the Fed Is Best Foundation, this comprehensive and compassionate guide offers a revolutionary look at what defines “best” infant feeding for every family.
For babies, like for all living things, fed is best. But the current stringent emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding is putting some babies at risk by depriving parents of a full understanding of how to tell when breastfeeding alone is not enough—and what to do about it.
Backed by scientific research and written by healthcare professionals, this guide will help any new parent make informed choices and feel empowered, not shamed, about how they feed their baby. This groundbreaking book debunks widely taught myths about breastfeeding and destigmatizes supplementation, a practice that has been employed throughout human history to protect infants when breastfeeding was not enough.
In these pages, Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, MD, Jody Segrave-Daly, a neonatal registered nurse and retired IBCLC, and Lynnette Hafken, MA, IBCLC provide a clear-eyed look at the current messaging and latest scientific research around breastfeeding and formula feeding to show that the best way to feed a baby can be different for every family.
Part eye-opening exposé, part practical, judgment-free feeding guide, Fed Is Best:
• Breaks down everything you need to know about the dangers of insufficient feeding in newborns and infants
• Reveals myths around colostrum and the expectation that mothers will “naturally” produce all the milk their baby needs if they follow current guidelines
• Provides detailed guidance for how to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat, particularly in those crucial first few days of life
• Shares supplementation strategies that protect and encourage continued breastfeeding
• Details what parents need to know about combination feeding, with sample schedules
Let Fed Is Best help you find the feeding method that’s right for you and your baby—whether that’s exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive formula feeding, or anything in between.
For babies, like for all living things, fed is best. But the current stringent emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding is putting some babies at risk by depriving parents of a full understanding of how to tell when breastfeeding alone is not enough—and what to do about it.
Backed by scientific research and written by healthcare professionals, this guide will help any new parent make informed choices and feel empowered, not shamed, about how they feed their baby. This groundbreaking book debunks widely taught myths about breastfeeding and destigmatizes supplementation, a practice that has been employed throughout human history to protect infants when breastfeeding was not enough.
In these pages, Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, MD, Jody Segrave-Daly, a neonatal registered nurse and retired IBCLC, and Lynnette Hafken, MA, IBCLC provide a clear-eyed look at the current messaging and latest scientific research around breastfeeding and formula feeding to show that the best way to feed a baby can be different for every family.
Part eye-opening exposé, part practical, judgment-free feeding guide, Fed Is Best:
• Breaks down everything you need to know about the dangers of insufficient feeding in newborns and infants
• Reveals myths around colostrum and the expectation that mothers will “naturally” produce all the milk their baby needs if they follow current guidelines
• Provides detailed guidance for how to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat, particularly in those crucial first few days of life
• Shares supplementation strategies that protect and encourage continued breastfeeding
• Details what parents need to know about combination feeding, with sample schedules
Let Fed Is Best help you find the feeding method that’s right for you and your baby—whether that’s exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive formula feeding, or anything in between.
- GenresParenting
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
14 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 25, 2024
This book will be published on June 25, 2024. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early review copy at my request!
If you are expecting a baby, this book is required reading. Full stop.
Fed Is Best is an incredibly thorough, helpful, carefully researched book that presents the most current data on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and combination feeding in a way that respects every person’s autonomy and informed choice. Its thesis is that when it comes to feeding, the most dangerous thing you can do is underfeed an infant. Unfortunately, that’s happening a LOT right now.
I’m currently pregnant with my first, and I’ve been very selective about what I read in preparation. I picked up this book because I don’t think that exclusive breastfeeding will be best for my mental health; I want to be able to share feeding responsibilities with my partner, sleep at night without having to pump to keep up my supply, and generally regain autonomy of my body. But of course, I also want my baby to be as healthy as possible. So I went looking for science and evidence to inform my path forward. That is exactly what I got with this book.
To be clear: This book is NOT anti-breastfeeding in any way. There is plenty of advice and information here for people who want to breastfeed. The authors’ position is simply that it is more important for an infant to get enough to eat than it is for them to be exclusively breastfed. To emphasize that point, they debunk a lot of misinformation about how critical breastfeeding really is.
Here are just a few things I learned in part 1 of the book:
• Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is far and away the #1 risk factor for infants being rehospitalized after birth.
• Before today’s cultural emphasis on breastfeeding began, only 6% of newborns were diagnosed with what used to be called “breastfeeding jaundice” and is now called “suboptimal feeding jaundice.” Today that number is more like 30% (!).
• That’s because, contrary to what new parents are often told, an infant’s stomach IS big enough to consume more than the small amounts of colostrum a birthing parent produces in the first few days after birth. Underfeeding them is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health issues, permanent brain damage, and worse.
• What’s more, 60% (!!) of first-time birthing parents who are at least 30 years old experience delays in full milk production.
• Virtually all of the health and development benefits of breastfeeding disappear from scientific results when you control for household income and education.
• “Baby-friendly” hospitals are financially incentivized to have higher rates of parents and infants EBFing when discharged, and nurses are often penalized for suggesting supplementation.
In part 2 of the book, the authors give you all the information you need to know about feeding, including techniques for boosting or reducing milk production, pumping techniques and cadence, formula preparation, and more. Plus, there are QR codes throughout the book that lead to even MORE information on the Fed Is Best website. I am very glad to have this resource in hand heading into everything that is to come.
If you are expecting a baby, this book is required reading. Full stop.
Fed Is Best is an incredibly thorough, helpful, carefully researched book that presents the most current data on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and combination feeding in a way that respects every person’s autonomy and informed choice. Its thesis is that when it comes to feeding, the most dangerous thing you can do is underfeed an infant. Unfortunately, that’s happening a LOT right now.
I’m currently pregnant with my first, and I’ve been very selective about what I read in preparation. I picked up this book because I don’t think that exclusive breastfeeding will be best for my mental health; I want to be able to share feeding responsibilities with my partner, sleep at night without having to pump to keep up my supply, and generally regain autonomy of my body. But of course, I also want my baby to be as healthy as possible. So I went looking for science and evidence to inform my path forward. That is exactly what I got with this book.
To be clear: This book is NOT anti-breastfeeding in any way. There is plenty of advice and information here for people who want to breastfeed. The authors’ position is simply that it is more important for an infant to get enough to eat than it is for them to be exclusively breastfed. To emphasize that point, they debunk a lot of misinformation about how critical breastfeeding really is.
Here are just a few things I learned in part 1 of the book:
• Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is far and away the #1 risk factor for infants being rehospitalized after birth.
• Before today’s cultural emphasis on breastfeeding began, only 6% of newborns were diagnosed with what used to be called “breastfeeding jaundice” and is now called “suboptimal feeding jaundice.” Today that number is more like 30% (!).
• That’s because, contrary to what new parents are often told, an infant’s stomach IS big enough to consume more than the small amounts of colostrum a birthing parent produces in the first few days after birth. Underfeeding them is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health issues, permanent brain damage, and worse.
• What’s more, 60% (!!) of first-time birthing parents who are at least 30 years old experience delays in full milk production.
• Virtually all of the health and development benefits of breastfeeding disappear from scientific results when you control for household income and education.
• “Baby-friendly” hospitals are financially incentivized to have higher rates of parents and infants EBFing when discharged, and nurses are often penalized for suggesting supplementation.
In part 2 of the book, the authors give you all the information you need to know about feeding, including techniques for boosting or reducing milk production, pumping techniques and cadence, formula preparation, and more. Plus, there are QR codes throughout the book that lead to even MORE information on the Fed Is Best website. I am very glad to have this resource in hand heading into everything that is to come.
June 22, 2024
This is the book I wish I had before my first child was born almost 16 years ago. As a woman who has tuberous breast deformity (aka "insufficient glandular tissue"), there is no way I can ever make a full breast milk supply. Nobody ever tells you that sometimes breastfeeding just doesn't work; that sometimes supplementation is necessary. This book takes the judgment out of infant feeding and provides sound evidence based advice on all types of feeding. It also teaches the life-saving skill of recognizing when a baby isn't getting enough to eat. If I had had this information sooner, it would have saved me from accidentally starving my second born in my attempt to give him what was "best" (exclusive breastfeeding). From exclusive breastfeeding, combofeeding, formula feeding, pumping, and everything in between, this book covers it all.
As a mom of 4 now, I would recommend this book as a must read for all new parents.
As a mom of 4 now, I would recommend this book as a must read for all new parents.
January 8, 2025
I needed this book 6 years ago before my first baby was born. It would have saved me a lot of tears, shame and stress.
Would 100 percent recommend for any first time parents wanting to learn more about infant feeding.
Would 100 percent recommend for any first time parents wanting to learn more about infant feeding.
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December 31, 2024Fed Is Best makes a compelling case for prioritizing calories over the feeding mode of choice, especially in the fragile early days of an infant’s life. The authors lay out persuasive evidence that the “breast is best” messaging can create unnecessary stress for new parents and can even be medically dangerous in the first week as transitional milk comes in for breastfeeding people. I was interested to learn about how many cultures around the world have actually supplemented breast milk in various ways throughout recorded history. From my own experience starting breastfeeding with my first baby just a couple weeks after finishing this book, I thought the beginning sections might have been a little on the fear-mongering side, as every medical professional and lactation consultant we worked with really erred on the side of caution and encouraged supplementing with formula during that transition time. That said, I was glad to have read this book so I knew what to expect with the triple feeding regimen we were put on the first week, and it helped build my awareness of how important supplementing was for our jaundiced baby. The authors include lots of helpful material and charts in the book as well, though I would have preferred footnotes/endnotes and appendices rather than QR codes to a separate website.
I will be recommending this book to expecting parents in my life!
My thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.
I will be recommending this book to expecting parents in my life!
My thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.
November 30, 2024
Revolutionary. I’m a family physician who practises rural surgical obstetrics. I now have the tools and the evidence to support my “fed is best” approach to counseling the families I deliver. I am going to buy another copy to keep at the hospital and multiple copies for my trusted colleagues. I cannot believe how little actual scientific evidence underlies what we have been taught as “newborn breastfeeding” gospel for so many years.
July 8, 2024
Really a peace of mind to see less biased resource of feeding for a new mom trying to figure out all the options. Great evidence based key points that I'll be referring back to! Really covers all the bases!
June 28, 2024
This is the best book on feeding infants that has ever been published, and presents information critical for all new mothers and the healthcare staff and providers who care for them to know.
I've treated many women for Post-Partum Depression (severe, in most cases), and in over 1/3 of those women one of the primary factors was the unremitting forceful bullying for them to breast feed *at all costs* and never supplement, and the breastfeeding problems they had which they were led to believe meant they were inadquate mothers.
"All costs" means that they were told they had to breast feed while their newborn wailed in a high pitched screech that, I now know, meant that not enough colustrum was available or there were other problems.
"All costs" as explained by my patients meant their newborn was at the breast nonstop for most the first few days, and infants lost 8% or more of their weight. It meant breast feed even when the infants were rehospitalized because of inadequate calories and/or water.
"All costs" meant rehospitalization to the NICU for too many babies whose mothers were told that lots of weight loss was ok, as long as they fed only breast milk and no formula.
This book could prevent much of that.
Fed Is Best's book explains how to make sure infants are getting enough, how to know if baby isn't getting enough, and what to do about that long before the infant is harmed. The authors explain all the what, why, who, when, how, and provide all the info to feed baby using any combination of breast milk or formula or both. It's practical *and* provides the background in a way that kept my interest - I couldn't put the book down, and read it in 2 days.
I love the way "Fed Is Best" presents the facts and explanations at just the right level so that everyone can understand how much infants need, how disinformation about infants and their needs came about and was inadvertently spread far and wide, and how mothers can feed their babies and feel confident that it's going well. This book should be mandatory for all nurses and other staff and management in L&D, and is the best gift a new mother could get. I plan on gifting this book to each new mother I know. If we get any new nurses in the family who are thinking about L&D, they'll be getting Fed Is Best, too.
I've treated many women for Post-Partum Depression (severe, in most cases), and in over 1/3 of those women one of the primary factors was the unremitting forceful bullying for them to breast feed *at all costs* and never supplement, and the breastfeeding problems they had which they were led to believe meant they were inadquate mothers.
"All costs" means that they were told they had to breast feed while their newborn wailed in a high pitched screech that, I now know, meant that not enough colustrum was available or there were other problems.
"All costs" as explained by my patients meant their newborn was at the breast nonstop for most the first few days, and infants lost 8% or more of their weight. It meant breast feed even when the infants were rehospitalized because of inadequate calories and/or water.
"All costs" meant rehospitalization to the NICU for too many babies whose mothers were told that lots of weight loss was ok, as long as they fed only breast milk and no formula.
This book could prevent much of that.
Fed Is Best's book explains how to make sure infants are getting enough, how to know if baby isn't getting enough, and what to do about that long before the infant is harmed. The authors explain all the what, why, who, when, how, and provide all the info to feed baby using any combination of breast milk or formula or both. It's practical *and* provides the background in a way that kept my interest - I couldn't put the book down, and read it in 2 days.
I love the way "Fed Is Best" presents the facts and explanations at just the right level so that everyone can understand how much infants need, how disinformation about infants and their needs came about and was inadvertently spread far and wide, and how mothers can feed their babies and feel confident that it's going well. This book should be mandatory for all nurses and other staff and management in L&D, and is the best gift a new mother could get. I plan on gifting this book to each new mother I know. If we get any new nurses in the family who are thinking about L&D, they'll be getting Fed Is Best, too.
May 14, 2024
As a researcher, infant development consultant, and a mom who made the choice to feed my baby formula from birth, this is the book I've been waiting for. This book is one of the few I’ve come across that even tries to be inclusive when talking about infant feeding. Unlike many other resources, which are aimed solely at cis-gendered moms in heterosexual partnerships, this book acknowledges and supports families of all backgrounds and compositions. Whether you're a gay dad, a family who has adopted, or a mom like me who wanted to share feeding with their partner, there’s something in this book for you.
If you’re someone who likes to make decisions based on research and having all the info, this is where you’re going to get it.
I like how it acknowledges the challenges many people face with breastfeeding and encourages readers to consider what works best for their whole family. It's empowering to know that it's okay to make a choice based on personal preference and what feels right for you.
Ultimately, "Fed is Best" is about offering parents the best information and resources to make informed decisions about infant feeding. It's a comprehensive guide that covers ALL your options and supports you in problem-solving along the way to help you feed your baby in a way that makes sense for YOU. It is now my go-to gift for new parents!
If you’re someone who likes to make decisions based on research and having all the info, this is where you’re going to get it.
I like how it acknowledges the challenges many people face with breastfeeding and encourages readers to consider what works best for their whole family. It's empowering to know that it's okay to make a choice based on personal preference and what feels right for you.
Ultimately, "Fed is Best" is about offering parents the best information and resources to make informed decisions about infant feeding. It's a comprehensive guide that covers ALL your options and supports you in problem-solving along the way to help you feed your baby in a way that makes sense for YOU. It is now my go-to gift for new parents!
May 15, 2024
Fed is Best is the infant feeding book that all perspective and new parents need and deserve. Part history and analysis of culture, policy, and myths around infant feeding, part unbiased review of what the research on infant feeding actually shows, and part common sense, inclusive guide for how to safely feed your baby. I wish I had had a copy of this book in the early weeks of parenthood. Unlike most parenting books, Fed is Best assumes the reader is competent, intelligent and able to make informed decisions about how to feed their babies, and to identify risk factors and warning signs if their baby needs help. It makes research and health information accessible. It honors the individual experiences of new parents and the presents comprehensive information about feeding your baby - whether it’s by breast, bottle, tube or a combination of those methods. It affirms the experiences of parents who face breastfeeding challenges, and lets them know they are far from alone. And perhaps most importantly, it helps new parents feel confident about feeding their babies in whatever way works best for their families. Buy this book for your pregnant friends!
April 25, 2024
As a mother who struggled with the standards of society towards breastfeeding and/or formula feeding, this book makes me feel valued, understood, and heard. I definitely recommend this book to all moms out there. How a mother feeds her baby does not define how good or bad of a mother she is.
Well fed babies should be the gold standard and how a mother decides to feed her baby is her personal choice.This book talks about the unintended harms of the “Breast is best” message and how to find the right aproach for all mothers and their babies.Moms just do what is best for you and your family and the end of the day happy moms and well fed babies is what matters the most! Thank you Jody Segrave-Daly and Christie del Castillo-Hegyi for making me part of this amazing book! You ladies are awesome and your book will help and empower many mothers like me that struggle with the pressure of the “breast is best” message. The Fed is best foundation saved me and my babies❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well fed babies should be the gold standard and how a mother decides to feed her baby is her personal choice.This book talks about the unintended harms of the “Breast is best” message and how to find the right aproach for all mothers and their babies.Moms just do what is best for you and your family and the end of the day happy moms and well fed babies is what matters the most! Thank you Jody Segrave-Daly and Christie del Castillo-Hegyi for making me part of this amazing book! You ladies are awesome and your book will help and empower many mothers like me that struggle with the pressure of the “breast is best” message. The Fed is best foundation saved me and my babies❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 8, 2024
Outside of one discrepancy on how to prepare formula, (this book recommends boiling water with powdered formula which is not typically deemed necessary), this book is a literal treasure trove of information. This isn’t just for women who aren’t able to or choose not to breastfeed, but for anyone looking for more information about how to make the best feeding decisions for their baby. This discusses the unintended harms of the “breast is best” ideology, and how we need to as a society de-stigmatize the decision to use infant formula. There is a lot of compelling information and considerations in this book, and I recommend it for all pregnant families, birth partners, and new parents. Well researched, thoughtful, and important.
February 17, 2025
This book is a must-read for any parent navigating the challenges of feeding their baby, healing from the pressures of it, or starting this journey. It offers evidence based data regarding infant feeding, practical advice for all ways of infant feeding, and reassurance that fed truly is best. Highly recommend!
November 10, 2024
Even long after the dust has settled on our newborn chapter, the unsettling misguidance that led to needless weight loss and potential harm in our child’s first week of life continue to haunt me. This book is a MUST READ comprehensive guide on approaching newborn feeding. It briskly fills the astounding gap in our current landscape that still relies on unfounded claims surrounding infant physiology. The title says it all and every iteration of safe infant feeding - breast, formula, combination - is meticulously laid out for the reader to truly make an informed decision.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews