We've now got a section specifically about breastfeeding, and another about formula feeding.

While M&B fully endorse the WHO code (which recommends exclusive BFing for the first six months then continuing on for two years and beyond), we understand that some mothers are unable to BF or make an informed decision not to BF, and that they need reliable information and support on how to safely feed their babies.

To become a member of the formula feeding group, all you have to do is apply via your User Control Panel, at the upper left of this screen; go to usergroups and request to join the group. You'll be sent the above statement and you must reply with "I agree" in the subject line; after that, you'll be approved for entry into the group. (See "Further FAQs" below for more info.)

Further FAQ

How do I join the formula group?

To become a member all you have to do is apply via your User Control Panel, at the upper left of this screen; go to usergroups and request to join the group. You'll be sent the above statement and you must reply with "I agree" in the subject line; after that, you'll be approved for entry into the group.

Do I need a password to get into the FF section?

When this group began we were still ironing out a few problems and had the system set up so you needed to enter a password every time you wanted to go into the FF section. We've now removed the password section so if you're already a member all you need to do is log in.

How do I become a member of the BF section?

You don't have to do anything to become a member of the BF section – it's open to all.

We don't feel it's necessary to set up a group for the BF section, as the only reason we've set up the FF section like this is for business/legal reasons, as outlined above.

Can I filter it so I don’t see threads about the other way of feeding?

There is no way to filter the threads so you don’t see what you don’t want to see – ie, if you’re a member of the FF group, you will still see BF threads in “new posts” list, in the same way that if you are a member of the WAHM group, you will see SAHM posts.

Unless a thread title is offensive or hurtful, it can remain. If you have an issue with a thread title, bring it to the attention of a mod – DO NOT post angrily in the thread, as it will only make things escalate; in addition, you may be put on post approval or be given a strike for doing it.

Why do we need this? Can’t we just have one feeding section?

As outlined above, to comply with ABA/national standards, we must be careful how we give information about formula. In time, both sections will include stories and contact numbers/support group details – again, to have FF articles on the site, we would need some sort of "gatekeeping" system, which is what the group is all about.

From a purely organsational viewpoint, it makes sense to have different areas – at the moment we have different sections for SAHMs and working mums, and mums from different states, so people know where to go to discuss certain things.

And from a social viewpoint, it's hoped that this will help curb the age-old BF v FF arguments. While debates and healthy discussions are welcome, the same old arguments will not be tolerated as they inevitably fall into name calling and petty fights – which isn't what the M&B forum is about!

If you have a genuine question about the new system, feel free to PM me or ask it here.

Hi jess-a.
Is it the Forumla section you want access to? I can do it for you

The mods are stretched pretty thin at the moment with work and family commitments so it can sometimes take a little bit of time to get a reply

Let me know if it is this section you want to join and I can do it for you.

All done! You should be able to see it now

Hi,

I'm having the same problem! Have I pm'd the wrong person?

Thank you!