If you read the Marsha Walker article you will see that the infant gut (stomach and intestines) are concidered "open" meaning they will let large protien molecules through. Colostrum is the really the only substance that the gut should get as it is biologically meant to be the first thing that the gut gets exposed to after birth. The colostrum has a protective factor as well the gut can easily absorb the colostrum contents.

IF the baby gets a formula, the gut is forever changed, the pH is changed the large milk protiens get through which predisposes the baby to becoming sensitive to milk and developing allergies....

The whole nipple confusion thing can happen as well. The baby who has never sucked on anything except maybe his or her hand inutero will learn quickly how to place a thing that is placed in its mouth, sucking is reactive, but preference as to how to suck is learned. This is why babes who have a poor latch have a hard time unlearning and mommies pay the price with hamburger nipples by day two of life. if one keeps switching back and forth from breast to nipple...well you can see the problem easily. It takes work to learn how to get the nipple to the back of the mouth.

Breastfeeding is easy to screw up. And just because your your care giver gives advice, does not mean it is right.

We are at time where we need to self educate and not depend so much on what is given to us. A second opinion is always a good thing especially if you are told to stop breastfeeding by your MD.

Babies can develop poor latches for a variety of reasons...it usually begins with the manner win which they were born and which drug is circulating in their system at the time.

Babies know how to latch...we just keep interfering with. This is an amazing video of a baby self latching. While the infant could use a bit of help, the point is...it will do it on it's own. <link>

This one is also a great video as it compares latching for medicated to unmedicated babies.