I too was attacked by the pro-breastfeeding squad when my baby was born (slightly prematurely, I might add). I desperately wanted to breastfeed, but my milk didn't come down too easily, probably because of "new-mom" nerves. My doctor, a very wise woman, suggested that I supplement with a bottle. After only a few sessions of watching my preemie fall asleep from sheer exhaustion after failing to receive any kind of nutrition, I was quite happy to supplement. I still kept trying, but to no avail. There are many reasons for problems with breast-feeding; preemies tend to have a latch-on problem, possible inverted nipples on mom (yeah I know, massage apparently helps). At any rate, all new moms have a lot on their plates and bullying from any quarter really doesn't help. By the way, my baby is now 20 and she is doing very well, has never had any serious health issues. I really don't think we are depriving our babies in any way if we can't breastfeed.

I look at it this way: if you can't breastfeed, there are 3 alternatives:

1 - bottles of something else: formula, goat's milk, sugar water, whatever.

2 - a wet nurse

3 - starvation

Since #2 is hard to find, and #3 is frowned upon in better social circles, #1 seems to be the right choice.

Oh wait! I forgot about suckling from a she-wolf. Try that first, then #1.

Actually, the line up is:

1. breastmilk from breast
2. breastmilk from cup, bottle or finger feed (using a tube and syringe)
3. milk from another mother (either directly from breast (wet nurse) or milk bank
4. formula

human milk from any source is always prefered to formula. It is a rare and very expensive option though so formula it is.

possible inverted nipples on mom (yeah I know, massage apparently helps).

Yeeesh, I remember how painful my wife's breasts were during the breastfeeding time. She would've smacked anyone who attempted massage.