Breastfeeding Debate Sparks Calls for More Parental Support

Letter writers argue that the 'secret to marriage equality' is not just about feeding methods, but about providing practical support for new parents.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In response to an opinion piece arguing that formula feeding is the 'secret to marriage equality,' several letter writers push back, stating that the debate over breastfeeding versus formula feeding oversimplifies the challenges of new parenthood. They argue that what's needed is not sweeping conclusions about feeding methods, but rather accessible support and guidance from professionals to help new parents make informed, individualized decisions. The letters highlight the need to appreciate the nuances around infant feeding and to focus on creating societal systems that enable partnership equality, regardless of how babies are fed.

Why it matters

This debate touches on the complex realities facing new parents, particularly mothers, as they navigate the physical, emotional, and practical demands of caring for a newborn. The letters highlight how the 'breast is best' narrative can be overly simplistic, and that formula feeding does not inherently create equal parenting. The core issue is about providing the support and resources new parents need, not prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions.

The details

The letters respond to an opinion piece that framed breastfeeding as potentially causing an 'undesirable, often stubborn imbalance between parents.' One letter writer, a millennial mom with a demanding job, argues that breastfeeding has been an incredible privilege and achievement, with her husband providing crucial support. Another letter writer, the founder of a parenting organization, states that what most new parents lack is not ideology, but 'reliable information and practical support' from professionals. A pediatrician in London also pushes back on dismissing the medical benefits of breastfeeding, while noting that parents should not be pressured if formula is the right choice for their family.

  • The letters were published on February 15, 2026 in response to the original opinion piece that ran on February 6, 2026.

The players

Samantha Slater

A millennial, feminist mom with a demanding job who has breastfed her three babies over the past seven years, with the support of her husband.

Monica Infante

The founder and CEO of Babies & Bumps, an organization that supports new and expectant parents.

Sophie Pach

A pediatrician and mother of two working in London.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Breastfeeding my three babies over the span of the past seven years has required sacrifices, saying no to plans at times and, yes, lost sleep, but it has also been one of the great achievements of my life.”

— Samantha Slater (New York Times)

“Most new parents aren't lacking ideology; they're lacking reliable information and practical support. They deserve accessible, expert-backed guidance from professionals like pediatricians, lactation consultants, maternal mental health clinicians and feeding specialists when needed — not sweeping conclusions that suggest that one feeding approach is the 'secret to marriage equality.'”

— Monica Infante, Founder and CEO of Babies & Bumps (New York Times)

“Dismissing decades of important neonatal research as the ''breast is best' camp' and many of the benefits of breastfeeding as 'tenuous at best' is simply misleading.”

— Sophie Pach, Pediatrician (New York Times)

The takeaway

This debate highlights the need to move beyond simplistic narratives around infant feeding and instead focus on providing new parents with the comprehensive support, resources, and expert guidance they need to make informed, individualized decisions about how to care for their families. The core issue is about creating societal systems that enable true partnership equality, not prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions.