#14 - Is Formula The Secret To Marriage Equality? (We Don't Think So)

In this episode of Between Contractions, Amsy and Stephanie respond to a viral article (see link below) suggesting that partners should give bottles in order to bond with their newborn and share in feeding responsibilities. While we appreciate the good intentions behind the idea, they push back on the notion that bottle feeding is the primary — or best — way for a non-breastfeeding partner to be involved. The conversation covers why well-meaning night bottles can actually backfire for breastfeeding moms (hint: engorgement, pumping, and extra dishes), and offers practical alternatives — like holding the baby after feeds, bringing mom food and water, taking early-evening or early-morning baby shifts, and handling all household tasks during the postpartum recovery period. We also discuss how the division of labor naturally shifts over time: in the first two weeks, the birthing parent's only job is to rest, feed, and bond — everything else falls to the partner. That balance gradually evolves as the weeks and months go on. The episode wraps with a reminder that a supportive partner is one of the single biggest predictors of breastfeeding success, and that support looks like so much more than feeding. Topics covered: - Why "give a bottle so dad can bond" misses the bigger picture - How night bottle feeds can unintentionally undermine milk supply- Practical ways partners can support breastfeeding without a bottle - A shift-based night strategy that protected one host's sleep- How parental roles evolve from birth through toddlerhood- Bed sharing: why 75% of families do it even if they said they never would  New York Times Artice: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/opinion/baby-formula-marriage-equality.html Amsy Dees - @amsydees.doula // amsydeesdoula.com Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com  DISCLAMER: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care.