The Follow-Up: Is Breast Best?

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Dr. Mona Amin

Medicine, Kids & Family, Health & Fitness, Parenting

4.9 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 27 October 2025

⏱️ 17 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

We’ve all heard the phrase breast is best. But is it really that simple? In this episode, I sit down with an expert to talk honestly about what the research actually says about breastfeeding and where the science gets murky. We break down what’s fact, what’s myth, and why so much of the “breast is best” messaging comes from data that’s more correlation than causation. From IQ to obesity to immune health, we unpack what studies really measure (and what they don’t). I also share my own story as a pediatrician who planned to breastfeed but ended up formula-feeding my son after a difficult birth and ICU stay. That experience shaped how I talk to parents today because feeding your baby should never come with shame. We discuss: Why most breastfeeding research isn’t based on randomized trials How socioeconomic factors shape the data we see on long-term “benefits” The difference between short-term and long-term outcomes What sibling studies tell us about IQ, weight, and immunity Why guilt over feeding choices can actually take away from connection The importance of supporting all feeding journeys—breast, bottle, or both Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome back to the Piedstock Talk podcast. You are listening to the follow-up, where we revisit a
0:07.4	favorite episode in less time than it takes someone to defend their infant feeding choice.
0:11.7	Breast formula, combo feeding, it's all judged. And honestly, do you. Here's why I say that.
0:17.3	A lot of breastfeeding research doesn't tell the full story. Most studies aren't
0:21.0	randomized. They compare groups of mothers who are already very different by income,
0:25.4	education, work flexibility, and health status. So it's nearly impossible to separate what's due
0:30.6	to breast milk itself from everything else that comes with being a parent. For example,
0:35.6	a kid on formula getting a lot of ear infections. Well, are they
0:38.3	also in daycare? Breast-fed kids who has no diabetes as they get older? Well, what is the family
0:43.8	history and also the nutrition like when they start solids? Now, that doesn't mean breast smoke isn't
0:48.8	amazing. It truly is. It changes composition when your baby or you are sick, supports the developing
0:53.7	immune system, and provides antibodies made just for your baby. you are sick, supports the developing immune system,
0:54.3	and provides antibodies made just for your baby.
0:56.8	Those are real benefits.
0:57.7	But when it comes to claims that breastfed babies are healthier long term, the evidence
1:02.0	just doesn't back that up once you account for all these other factors.
1:05.7	And I see it every day, both as a pediatrician and as a mom.
1:08.8	My husband and I were formula fed. Our Are two kids, one formula-fed,
1:13.3	one I exclusively pumped, and both thriving in the same loving home. And the same holds true for
1:18.5	the thousands of families I see in my practice. What really helps kids thrive isn't just how they're
1:22.9	fed. It's the environment they're raised in. A home filled with love, connection, enriching play,
1:29.1	balanced nutrition when solid start, and opportunities to move and explore.
	...

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