NYC hospitals ban formula and bottles

http://wcbstv.com/local/local_story_212165519.html

only a quarter of the new mothers in NYC breastfeed. NYC is hoping to triple that number by 2010.

 

Thats Bullshit! Why? because if a mother has a problem breast problem breastfeeding what other choice is there left.


breast milk is the best yes for kiddos but i'm looking at mothers who cannot breast feed PERIOD!

 

well, basically, they've completely boycotted those free cans of infant formula. you can buy your own anytime, but they will not provide it, except in emergencies.

 

This is probably to comply with the Baby Friendly Initiative

http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/

 

Well, because when a new mother is shoved a free can of formula in her face, sometimes, she doesn't even try to bf. I think it's wonderful.

Of course, if there is a real valid problem, they will supply formula, or the mom could get her own if she really doesn't want to bf...

And really, how many moms CAN'T breastfeed?? It's what we are designed to do...

 

Formula will be supplied to the mothers IF THEY ASK FOR IT.

fricknfrack, as a mother that truly cannot breastfeed, let me answer your concerns. Literally, less than one percent of mothers worldwide cannot produce breastmilk. I am one of those. The likelihood that you will talk to another like myself is very very miniscule.

Mothers that "cannot breastfeed" are fed doubt from the beginning, either by receiving that first can of formula "just in case" or from well-meaning relatives saying "Are you sure he's getting enough? He's so skinny/fussy/etc". If mothers were supported in a well-educated-in-lactation society, they would know that breastfeeding requires a little getting used to, a healthy diet and water regimen, a low-stress lifestyle, and a good latch.

Most cases of low-supply or where it hurts too much to feed are caused by poor latch. Sometimes, a tongue-tie may go undiagnosed, or the mother is unable to find someone to snip it because "they can bottle feed, why do you need to snip the frenulum?"

Basically, this initiative in NYC won't stop die-hard formula-feeders from feeding their babies formula. And it won't stop mothers that need formula from getting formula. But it will help educate more mothers in how to best feed their babies in a healthy, bond-strengthening way.

 

thats awesome. It does truely boggle my mind why more women don't breastfeed!

 

Plus, the only reason formula co.'s give out free formula at the hospital is definitely not for the "good of the mother" it's to create more customers.

 

mmm, I agree! I had fully intended to breastfeed. (both my grandmothers "couldn't;" one by choice, one because of cancer) I'd read up on it, talked to breastfeeding mothers, and even visited a lactation consultant to be sure I didn't need a shield or any other "tools". But the minute my baby was born, there was that stupid can of formula sitting by my bedside... teasing me, asking me if I was sure I was doing everything right... it's enough to make a new mom throw in the towel, just HAVING the can there!

I think it's awesome, and I sure hope more cities follow!
love,
mom

 

I think it's kinda funny how formula was even shoved in mother's faces to begin with. Must be thing in the states. Here, the hospitals only have formula in the NICU in case of emergencies....the rest of the time, they all encourage the moms to at least try.

 

Yeah, I never saw formula my entire 4 days in the hospital. I had women helping and encouraging me to breastfeed around the clock!

 

I personally find the ban insulting as a woman and a mother. I am a breastfeeding mother and did not give my son any formula, only started my baby girl after 6 months occasionally. But I think that it is insulting to a woman that she cannot be given a sample of formula for fear she might use it! If a woman is mature enough to have a baby and be a mother, she should be able to make the choices for her baby. Yes, everyone knows that breastmilk is best, but if a person is so naive that they would switch a baby to a formula simply because they have a free sample, there is something seriously wrong there. Like someone said, formula is available at any store and those mothers that do plan on breastfeeding, then switch usually do so because of exhaustion and frustration....not because of a sample. I LOVED getting the samples, I not only got a bag from formula companies with samples and magazines, I got one that was encouraging breastfeeding, not to mention the tons of lotions, diaper creams, and other crap that I (as an adult) got to try and choose what to use. Don't take away our choices, and don't demean a person by forcing them into breastfeeding. I can honestly say that it was the hardest thing I had to do, especially the first time, and I would never condemn a mother for choosing formula.

 

just because a woman is (physically) mature enough to have a baby doesn't mean that she is emotionally or mentally mature enough to be a mother or make proper choices for her baby. I know plenty of women who fit into that catagory, and let me tell you, not one of the was willing breastfeed.
+
I got all sorts of free samples in the mail too. Threw the formula in the trash, because that is what it is. I don't think breastfeeding should be a choice; it should be expected. Yes, it hurts, yes, its hard... but so are a lot of things in life.

 

Amen, Icedtea! Breastfeeding shouldn't be a choice. If you are mature enough to carry a child to term, birth it, and rear it, you should understand that breastfeeding is part of the package.

 

I agree. I can't understand everybody being just fine with banning this or that as long as it fits into their personal beliefs. If you want to breastfeed do it. If someone doesn't then thats fine to. Personal choice people, believe it, teach it.

When my daughters were born, we were asked. No one pushed anything on us.

 

But is it a PERSONAL choice when the choice effects more than just yourself? When the choices you are making effect your child's health and wellbeing, how can that be defined as personal choice?

 

Wow, this story is unbelievable. Women have a choice - and not all women can breast feed - and for a hospital to look down upon that choice is disturbing. After 27 hours of labor, c-section, d&C, hysterectomy, dying twice on the table during delivery, 5 days in ICU, 2 weeks at the hospital - I guess I should have starved my son instead of feeding him. He is 5, happy, healthy and certainly happier to have a mom that is alive rather than dead = thank god for formula!

 

jgirl, I agree with you, if a woman absolutely does not want to breastfeed, she should not be forced. However, the hospitals are not saying that they will not have formula available, they will not give out the free samples anymore and strongly encourage breastfeeding.

The decision, encouragement, and support to breastfeed should begin in pregnancy, by her care providers. Most N. American women have never been exposed to anyone nursing their babies, bottlefeeding is the norm. They have friends and even family and spouses discouraging them at every turn.

Sadly, most women don't have that oppurtunity to have an OB who will discuss breastfeeding with them, most women see their OB for 5 minutes at best, and s/he doesn't waste his/her precious time explaining the benefits of breastfeeding or helping her find classes or support groups. Many mothers are faced with that decision for the first time after being admitted to L&D floor, by a nurse with a clipboard, checking off "Are you going to breastfeed or bottlefeed, Mom?" and that's it. Many women never even try to breastfeed.

Even moms who stated clearly that they will breastfeed often have to fight tooth and nail and be on guard like a Rottweiler to keep artificial nipples, pacifiers, and that "just one bottle, so you can rest" away from their infants. Studies have shown time and again that artificial nipples and "just one bottle" can harm or permanently damage a breastfeeding relationship in the first few days.

Studies have also shown that having free samples around makes a tired, frustrated, first-time breastfeeder more likely to give the baby a bottle in a moment of exasperation, or make well-intention partners or family members give the baby a bottle so mom can sleep. This usually happens typically right before the milk comes in, when mom is hormonal, achy, weepy, and baby is nursing non-stop, and mom is home from the hospital and away from lactation consultants and supportive nurses (not that I've seen too many supportive nurses, but one hopes). I can't tell you how many phone calls I get in the middle of the night from a weepy, frustrated new mom right before her milk comes in.

Not to mention the nasty politics between formula companies and hospitals and pediatricians/OB's. Have you noticed that most posters, pens, notepads, etc, you find in a ped or OB's office have Enfamil or Similac stamped all over them? Formula companies spend millions each year endowing neonatal and L&D floors and pediatricians and OB's offices with furniture, stationary, posters, infant warmers, baby scales, free formula and "breastfeeding success bags" which include formula samples and printed material with very bad, intentionally bad, breastfeeding advice. Believe me when I tell you, formula companies are not doing this to help moms off to a good start. They are doing this because they know, as the studies have shown, when free formula is laying around the house or next to a hospital bed, inexperienced, or even just frustrated, breastfeeding moms are more likely to turn to formula in desperation. Voila! Another customer, who will spend around $1,200 in the baby's first year for formula.

Even if mom only breastfeeds for the first 24 or 48 hours in the hospital, and goes home and gives formula, it is better than no breastfeeding at all. Even better when she goes home and continues to breastfeed, with the network of support provided by her Baby Friendly hospital.

 

I'm sorry you had such a difficult birth, it must have been very traumatic for you. :grouphug:

Thank goodness you are still here and your son is healthy and fine.


The article did NOT say the hospital was taking away anyone's choices. They DID say they were removing all advertising and promotional materials provided by formula companies. No hospital or care provider is going to let anyone's baby starve while his/her mother recovers from surgery or illness, it's ridiculous to assume so based on the article. No one is advocating starving babies.

Yes, thank god for formula, when it is used for it's intended purpose, which is to provide alternative feeding for infants whose mother's cannot breastfeed. But honestly, it doesn't sound like it was your choice to formula feed, (or maybe you did intend to formula feed from the beginning,) but it certainly was medically necessary. You have to understand that your situation is not typical. Most women can breastfeed, even after long labours and surgical births. The fact that YOU were not in any condition to do so does not negate the fact that most women are perfectly capable.