So, what you're saying is that you feel that breastfeeding actually INTERFERES with a child's ability to develop an immunity by keeping them artificially healthy? Are you serious?
If you've ever studied logic, you'll know that things can appear logical when in actuality they are complete fallacy. What you've set up here is a fallacy based on a faulty appeal to authority. You mention you're a nurse and it gives you credibility. You did not mention that you haven't studied anything on infancy/pediatrics in a number of years and, therefore, are probably not as up to date on recent findings. While many stay at home moms can not lend themselves credibility solely based on their chosen occupation, they may truly be experts in the field.
By the way, most of my "expertise" comes from self education. Sometimes we are too quick to glorify that which can only be taught by "experts." Yes, I am a breastfeeding advocate. I've pumped for my preemie and nursed five other children. As far as being aware of immunological benefits, a stint in the NICU at Loma Linda while our preemie was there was quite the crash course. Beyond that, we have a daughter that has had damage done by immunizations and we've had to educate ourselves on immunology. It's really quite fascinating.
All that aside, you cannot actually be saying that breastmilk is equivalent to formula. It's just not possible. Formula is composed of some truly dreadful things. For one, cow's milk is the #1 allergy in infants. It generally contains wheat as well. That is also high on the list. Many of the oils used to add fats to formula are actual oils that will become transfatty when heated. And, most importantly, breastmilk is not derived from a homogenized, pasteurized source. The ultra high heating (pasteurization) of the milk (main ingredient) kills most everything good and bad. This is why you generally should not heat breastmilk, because it decreases the nutritional and immunological benefits.
There are so **many** things wrong with formula, it's really not funny. As a matter of fact, it's not even remotely amusing. Don't even get me started on soy. I, unfortunately, did have to feed one of my babies formula. I definitely sympathize with those who have to make that choice. It's a hard one to make. Almost every mother does everything she can for her children. Sometimes that includes breastfeeding, sometimes it does not. There are mothers out there and babies out there who simply cannot physically nurse. This is not aimed at ANY of them. I had one!
But, before we get on some vindictive slant of people not nursing in public, we should wonder where that ever came from! One hundred years ago we'd not have thought anything about nursing a baby. It was just matter of fact. You would have been looked at very oddly if you had pulled out a bottle. Your culture, your warning bells, have been triggered by formula companies out to make a few bucks. They aren't much better than a cigarette company. They send home formula with mothers with the intention of helping them fail. It's inherently evil. I'm thankful that they exist as they help those who cannot breastfeed, but other than that they are useless.
