The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for babies during the first 6 months of life. Despite this, only an estimated 11% of infants receive breast milk during this period. Why are so many women not breast-feeding? Some believe that free formula samples given to mothers as they leave the hospital are to blame. For years producers of baby formulas have donated samples to hospitals as an advertising tactic. The practice of giving free formula and discount coupons to mothers undermines what we know about the importance of breast milk – that in addition to nutrition, it provides antibodies, hormones, and enzymes beyond what formulas can provide. In a new study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 94% of hospitals surveyed confirmed the practice of distributing formula samples. However, according to the report, the number of hospitals which are banning the practice is increasing. Full story.
Tags: antibodies, baby, breast feeding, breast milk, formula, hormones, infant
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I’m glad to hear that more hospitals are banning the practice of sending new parents home with formula samples. However, I think the samples are just a small piece of the puzzle. New moms also need more breastfeeding education (including instruction on *how* to breastfeed) and more support from hospital staff. Amazingly enough, nursing doesn’t come naturally; it takes a lot of practice.
Hospitals also need to stop whisking away the baby to the nursery so quickly and support rooming in with mothers.
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