'Why Formula Feeding Matters' by Shel Banks is the guide to formula feeding I wish I had when my kids were babies. Banks has identified a complete gap in the market for reliable, non-bias, non-company funded information on formula feeding.

There wasn't really anything 'new' to me contained inside but this is the first time I've seen it all in one place, without any marketing attached and with goverment/NHS sources if you want to find out more. The author is a certified lactation consultant with a long background in helping women breastfeed, and yet there is absolutely nothing contained within these pages to suggest that formula feeding is a 'second best' choice or an attempt to 'push' breast feeding.

The whole premise is that you're feeding a child and for whatever reason need to use formula. Rather than asking 'Do you really need formula?' or 'Have you tried breastfeeding this way?' Banks just gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision with no fuss. Sometimes that information was more detailed that was comfortable for me, but I'm sure someone else would find it very comforting. I can't think of a reason why you would need another book or source on formula feeding after purchasing this one. If I could buy copies and hand it out to people at the train station I would.

I wish I'd had access to this book and Why Breastfeeding Guilt and Trauma Matter by Amy Brown last year whilst I was at the height of my feeding struggles and subsequent downward spiral to postnatal depression. I naively assumed breastfeeding would be fine and I wouldn't put pressure on myself if it didn't work - what a joke when hormones rule the roost. I had no idea about formula or what brand to choose, how to make it etc and it was foisted upon me by well-meaning healthcare staff as my baby had lost over 10% of her birth weight. I picked the first brand they said with no knowledge about what was in it.

This book breaks it all down without judgement and gives the facts to help make a well-informed decision, something I did not do. Reading this book and the one by Amy Brown brought up strong emotions of guilt and shame but I found it worth it to make myself better informed about feeding decisions and the impact it can have on my mental health in future.