What harm will not breastfeeding your children do?

[Lauren F]

You may not notice your child having any specific skin or other health problems like respiratory illnesses and allergies. That doesn't mean he isn't at an increased RISK of those things. Statistics proving the superiority of breastmilk and lowered risks of countless diseases are based on THOUSANDS of children, not one or two. There are lucky kids who despite being formula fed, are healthy and intelligent (my husband is a fine example!).
We as parents should want to do what is best for our children. That includes breastfeeding, or at least educating yourself on it and really TRYING to, even if you fail or end up having a medical reason not to. It's agreed upon by all experts (the AAP, WHO, Dr Sears, etc) that breastfeeding will always be better than formula. Even the formula companies admit it! Scientists cannot even figure out all the components of breastmilk. It's a miraculous, perfect food designed for our children, who as others have pointed out, are NOT calves.
The formula companies are a BUSINESS. They care only about making money. Did you know that the cost of making formula is only 16 cents for every DOLLAR?? Nice profit margin, huh?
"Formula is there for a reason"--The only reason it should be there is if a woman physically cannot nurse (less than 5% of the population, in case you're interested). It's selfish to not even attempt to breastfeed.
Do your research and you'll see that overall, breastfeeding IS the best option for children.

Edit: "If formula was only meant to be for women who had no other option, it wouldn't be available to all women.
A woman should have the option."
And a baby deserves at least a SHOT at the best! We are supposed to make sacrifices for our children; spending the time and effort with them in order to nurse is just one sacrifice of many we should make. I'll never understand choosing FOURTH best (Breastmilk, pumped breastmilk, breastmilk from a milk bank, THEN formula--the experts agree) for my precious babies.