Pumping isn't a full replacement for breast-feeding, though -- there's bonding that takes place during breast-feeding, there's antibody and bacterial exchange, and the milk produced actually changes throughout the day.

Of course none of this stuff is critical, but I think for most people, the ideal scenario really is breastfeeding, straight from the breast -- and it's a shame that's so hard for so many to do in our society.

This is really overlooking the complications that MANY women have with pumping: supply drops, increased mastitis (the pumps are not nearly as effective as the real thing), and most of all, lack of real time response to the babies needs.

Just handwaving "but pumps!" really undermines how much effort this takes for women.

This is an excellent point to bring up, and something that cannot (or rather, should not) be ignored.

Still, the approach presumably should be more, not less, support for women who want (need?) to try this?