Large breasts contain more fatty tissue, not more breast ducts, than small breasts. It is the frequency of sucking and the ability of the mother to eject milk through the letdown reflex that is critical to successful breastfeeding. It is commonly believed that lactation only occurs following conception and birth, but this is not necessarily so. Certain species such as elephants and foxes lactate and suckle young without ever giving birth. For humans, continued suckling over a period of time is the only requirement to stimulate milk production - pregnancy is not necessary.
Baby formula is expensive.
It has been calculated that for every wholesale dollar Abbott charges for formula, production and delivery costs are only 16 cents. Formula revenues are often directed towards providing free samples to new moms or underwriting meals and parties at pediatricians' conventions. Jennifer Stolpa knows the miracle of breastfeeding. Stranded for 8 days in Nevada by a winter storm that buried the region, Jennifer's son Clayton is a thriving child today only because she chose to breastfeed. After spending five nights in their snow-bound truck, James left his wife and five month old son in a cave while he sought help.