However, some mothers, for a variety of reasons, do not breastfeed. For those women, infant formula is the only product recognised by the United Nations Codex Alimentarius Commission (the body which sets international standards for foods) as a suitable breast-milk substitute.

Infant formula is often referred to as "baby milk" or "bottle milk", but this can lead to some confusion as many babies are given other milk, such as cow's or goat's milk, from an early age.

Infant formula is the only substitute that can by itself provide all the nutrition necessary for a baby during the first 4-6 months of life.

But, although it can be used as a substitute for breast-milk, infant formula is no equal to the most natural and nutritious food for babies - mother's milk - and given the health benefits for both mother and baby, all women should be encouraged to breastfeed for as long as possible or practical.

Infant feeding in South Africa by Pindelwa Mda

Most rural South Africans live far from clinics and hospitals - I used to live in a community where the nearest clinic was 8km away and the nearest hospital 34km away. Most women preferred to get advice from community elders who had been through childbirth and infant feeding. Even though some rural mothers are illiterate, they are intelligent enough to know that breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby and that it costs nothing. If for any reason a mother cannot breastfeed, alternatives are found. For mothers with very limited income, infant formula is not even a consideration. Mothers use fresh cow's milk, rooibos (herbal tea), maize-meal porridge and samp water. These are used out of necessity rather than choice.

Urban life has different complications. The legacy of apartheid is that most black South Africans live in townships far away from the cities. Many women work as domestic servants in white homes or as factory labourers. They are sometimes the sole breadwinners in the family. For them to be on duty by 7am, they must leave their homes around 4 am. Many of these women do not get any maternity leave. Babies are often left in the care of their grandmothers, other family members, neighbours or childminders. Few companies have nurseries in work places.

For many mothers, therefore, a breast-milk substitute is a necessary option, and infant formula is the best possible substitute to feed their babies.