Nursing isn’t possible for every woman. My daughter tried desperately with both her children, she just did not produce milk, no matter how she tried. Both children had tongue-ties and narrow palates (they’ll be getting expanders and braces very soon $$$$) which added to the difficulty.
She took supplements, drank special teas, pumped (futilely) for hours, had a doula and a “lactation consultant” but nothing worked. Her first child was born at 9 pounds plus, but it became obvious he was losing weight & probably starving! She had a nursing friend who was an “over-producer” & who donated extra milk for him and he quickly gained weight. After that supply was gone, we used formula.
She tried again for a few days with her second baby, but to no avail, and we started formula immediately. They’re both healthy, happy and thriving.
I understand that and know it is rare.
For those women, formula is the only option.
However, for most women, they could nurse and it would free up the formula for those who CAN’T.