Breastfeeding is always considered the primary option for feeding newborns. However, there can be issues relating to adequate lactation/milk production and also some infants have difficulty latching on.
There are likely options to stimulate milk production for feeding mothers - what are they?

since, we are starting this topic. i am really interested in seeing the debate on this issue and find out if we can better define the pros and cons. look forward to some interesting discussion here.

This is a great topic. I know that breast feeding is best and yet all the women in our family have not done it. I know that they have not done it because they did not want to rather than they couldn't. I don't think they even tried, the decision had been made before the child was born. It is interesting to wonder what puts women off such natural function. None of the women in my family have been able to explain it, it was just something they did not want to do or even try. Their kids are fine and healthy, and it seems that they really were really turned off by the whole idea. Anyone else have similar experience?

well, i dont know enough about this topic. but from what little i do know, i think it just makes perfect sense from a nutritional and emotional bonding perspective to be pro-breast feeding. Unless there is some medical reason preventing breast-feeding, this is the way to go. of course, being a male, i am not the one who has to do this!! further, i think there are other benefits to enforcing breast feeding. Since only the mother can do this - then there is no pragmatic reason for the father to get up in the middle of the night to help - might as well let those hardworking fathers enjoy their sleep!!

Hello hello! Is this a bit of the old male stereotyping rearing its ugly head!!?? I do agree with you however that men do need their sleep as unlike new mothers they are generally still going to work. I have seen many a bleary eyed colleague turning up for work who has a new baby. Far better to let the hubby have his sleep and be ready to take over when he gets back from work with bathing or help cleaning etc. I can't see any merit in having both parents on their knees!