A Lactation Expert’s Thoughts on Formula vs Breastfeeding
Many moms have chosen to stay away from formula products. Unlike breast milk, formula products lack nutrient adaptability. Regardless of this, formula still remains a top choice to feed your baby. Not all cases are the same and some formulas may offer specific nutrients your baby may need. Parents often ask: Is baby formula safe? Is breastfeeding better? What’s the best baby formula? We decided to sit down with one of our coaches to answer these pressing questions.
About Dawn Maddux: She holds a Master of Public Health from Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University. She is a Registered Nurse (RN), International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). Her expertise bridges medicine, public health, and lactation care.
According to Dawn, an internationally board-certified lactation consultant and public health nurse featured on the MissPoppins: Art of Parenting Podcast. The conclusion is evident: don’t be scared to formula feed your infants. Formula is used in cases where working parents are too busy, specific nutrient deficiencies in your baby. “Formula is a really great tool to supplement if baby needs more nutrition … the number one thing you’ve got to do is give that baby what they need to grow and develop.” (Maddux, 2025)
“There are a lot of reasons to use formula to supplement, either to supplement a breastfed baby or to exclusively formula feed. And that can be as simple as that’s what’s best for the family.” (Maddux, MissPoppins Podcast, 2025)
Although hyper granola moms could disagree, your main priority your include a well fed and nutrient rich development for your child. As Dawn puts it: “It’s definitely a personal choice, and sometimes it’s necessary, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that…all formulas are basically designed to mimic human milk … Now again, not shaming, but just getting that information and knowing the differences between the two is really important.”
What Makes Baby Formula Safe
A “safe” baby formula is one that meets government nutrition standards, is manufactured under strict contamination controls, and is prepared, stored, and served correctly. When these conditions are met, formula is a regulated and life-sustaining feeding option.
Top Formula Brands
Kendamil (Kendal Nutricare)
Website: kendalnutricare.com/meet-ross-mcmahon
Kendamil is a British infant formula made with whole milk fats, free from palm oil, and sourced from local farms. It is certified vegetarian, kosher, and halal, and its founder, Ross McMahon, has been profiled by The Guardian for his focus on sustainability and product transparency. Kendamil meets EU and UK standards and is approved for import into the U.S. under FDA oversight.
ByHeart
Website: byheart.com
ByHeart is a U.S.-based company founded by Mia Funt and Ron Belldegrun. It uses organic, grass-fed whole milk and a patented protein blend clinically tested on more than 300 infants. ByHeart received the Clean Label Project Purity Award for contaminant testing and transparency. The company positions itself as one of the closest formulations to breast milk in the American market.
Formula vs. Breast Milk
Is baby formula just as good as breast milk? Not exactly. Breast milk contains live antibodies and adapts to a baby’s development, while formula provides consistent, complete nutrition when breastfeeding isn’t possible. As Maddux explains, “All formulas are basically designed to mimic human milk … knowing the differences between the two is really important.”
Is breastfeeding better? Breast milk offers unique immunological and developmental benefits, but formula is safe, reliable, and sometimes the healthier choice when breastfeeding isn’t viable. Maddux emphasizes: “How a family chooses to feed their baby is a personal choice … and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
Common Questions/Concerns about Formula
Does baby formula need to be refrigerated?
Powdered formula should be stored sealed at room temperature. Prepared formula must be used within one hour or refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours. Ready-to-feed formulas should be refrigerated after opening and used within 48 hours. Freezing is not recommended because it alters texture and nutritional integrity (ByHeart Preparation Guide, 2024).
Does baby formula contain fluoride?
Most commercial formulas do not contain added fluoride. Fluoride exposure depends on the water used to prepare it. The CDC advises using low-fluoride water when possible (CDC, 2025).
Is baby formula tax deductible?
Typically, no. According to IRS Publication 502, standard baby formula is considered a personal expense. If a doctor prescribes a specialty medical formula for an allergy or metabolic condition, the cost difference may qualify as a deductible medical expense (Investopedia, 2024).
Why don’t some parents use formula?
Social stigma, misinformation, cost, and cultural norms play a role. Some parents feel judged for choosing formulas. Maddux pushes back on that perception: “Formula isn’t failure—it’s food.”
Safety Tips for Formula Feeding
Double check safety standards with guidelines that are publicly posted on the CDC.
Always follow the manufacturer’s water-to-powder ratio.
Prepare bottles with sterilized equipment and clean hands.
Store mixed formula in the refrigerator and discard after 24 hours.
Monitor your baby for allergic reactions or feeding intolerance.
Consult a pediatrician before switching formulas or trying specialty products.
Get More Information on Breastfeeding Safety
New baby feeding trends are on the rise but always make sure to consult with a certified lactation consultant and/or professional health expert before feeding new products for your baby. One current trend is freeze-dried milk safety; where Dawn offered her opinion on the concerning safety hazards.
For more information on how milk can be processed, stored, reconstituted, and used safely for your baby, be sure to connect with Dawn and other certified professionals on the MissPoppins platform.