The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more. 

In a press conference last month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. argued that infant formula falls short in comparison to breast milk. 

And in a strategy report published last September called “Make Our Children Healthy Again," the White House said it would “work to increase breastfeeding rates.” 

In some corners, these initiatives and comments have ruffled feathers – with critics arguing the emphasis was tantamount to shaming women who can’t or choose not to breastfeed. 

But they also got us thinking about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate ….  and why it’s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since, well… forever. 

Guests: 
Janelle Guirguis-Blake, a practicing family physician in Tacoma and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Related links: 
The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf
RFK Jr. is investigating infant formula. Here’s what’s at stake | CNN
Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families | FDA

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more.&nbsp;
In a press conference last month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. argued that <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/1998132218120601878">infant formula falls short</a> in comparison to breast milk.&nbsp;
And in a strategy report published last September called &ldquo;Make Our Children Healthy Again," the White House said it would &ldquo;work to increase breastfeeding rates.&rdquo;&nbsp;
In some corners, these initiatives and comments have ruffled feathers &ndash; with critics arguing the emphasis was tantamount to shaming women <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61552342013074/posts/lets-be-honestrfk-jr-didnt-just-share-facts-about-breastfeeding-he-said-formula-/122316374690078067/">who can&rsquo;t</a> or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ashley-reckdenwald-20532a1a7_rfk-can-encourage-women-to-breastfeed-all-activity-7404262053470896128-gkL8/">choose not to</a> breastfeed.&nbsp;
But they also got us thinking about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate &hellip;.&nbsp; and why it&rsquo;s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since, well&hellip; forever.&nbsp;
Guests:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Janelle Guirguis-Blake, a practicing family physician in Tacoma and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.</li>
</ul>
Related links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf">The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/health/infant-formula-fda-review-wellness">RFK Jr. is investigating infant formula. Here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s at stake | CNN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/156/1/e2025071516/201741/Breastfeeding-and-Health-Outcomes-for-Infants-and?autologincheck=redirected">Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-announce-operation-stork-speed-expand-options-safe-reliable-and-nutritious-infant-formula">HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families | FDA</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

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The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more. We talked to a doctor about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate ….  and why it’s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since… forever. 