But let’s also finally admit it: Breastfeeding exclusively is extremely difficult for some 10 to 20 percent of women, says James Sargent, M.D., a pediatrician and researcher at Dartmouth Medical School, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. And according to Babyalk contributing editor and lactation specialist Marianne Neifert, M.D., author of Dr. Mom’s Guide to Breastfeeding and one of the country’s top experts on the subject, up to 5 percent of women suffer from breast milk shortage, making exclusive breastfeeding practically impossible.

But when one of these frustrated moms hears from ardent breastfeeding advocates that she shouldn’t supplement with a bottle (let alone formula), she may decide to abandon breastfeeding altogether, thinking it’s an all-or-nothing proposition. “Moms are often told very strongly that regardless of how hard a time they’re having, they should breastfeed exclusively,” says Dr. Sargent. “But that may not always be appropriate. The downsides (ranging from a distressed baby and a miserable mother to a malnourished and dehydrated infant) can actually outweigh the benefits.”

The answer for many women who struggle with exclusive nursing may be to combine breastfeeding with bottlefeeding. Many experts agree that some breastfeeding is better than none at all.

Read more at Parenting.com