I'm
still breastfeeding my daughter and we've never relied on formula to suppliment. We've only ever had it available when my inlaws have watched her for a few hours, and most of the time she rejected the bottle anyway. I wouldn't have provided it at all if I were able to pump my milk out.
We started rice cereal at the start of the year when her doctor gave the go-ahead. Same with fruits and veggies, and then meats.
I'll recommend breastfeeding to any woman who is comfortable trying it, but I would never push it. Some mothers aren't comfortable with breastfeeding, and I refuse to make them feel they're making the wrong choice or that they're hurting their baby. Breastfeeding is
hard, and it's not for everyone.
nightangel: breastfeeding makes one huge difference. Your breastmilk contains antibodies that you pass directly to your baby. It helps build a stronger immune system. Even if you only breastfeed until you return to work, your baby will be so much better off from nursing for that time. It does make a difference - an enormous difference.