There are a lot of ways you can describe formula. Expensive. Annoying to make with the cleaning of the bottles and the mixing if you get powder. What is needed if you don't breastfeed. And contraband. As of now, in Massachusetts, new mothers will not be getting free formula samples to take home with them. And it's all an effort of encouragement. To help babies get the best start. To help moms.
I believe some time around the advent of formula, the master plan was to get people to think the synthetic breastmilk was better than the real thing straight from mama. But the thing is, we didn't know very well back then. We painted things with lead, made things with BPA, you know, did things that have jeopardized our health, unknowingly.
Then somewhere along the line, breasts became completely and totally sexualized and breastfeeding rates plummeted. Which takes us to today where 57 percent of Americans think breastfeeding is an obscene act.
The push of free samples -- that subliminal advertising, that mother's little helper all too tempting for a new mom who may be struggling with nursing her first baby -- is what derails many from giving their babies the best stuff on Earth. The stuff that comes from mom, pure and perfect and everything your baby needs. Breastmilk.
The hard truth is that studies prove that mothers who breastfeed and get those free formula samples when leaving the hospital are less likely to be breastfeeding by the time baby was 1 month old. It's like the anti-breastfeeding serum. And Massachusetts isn't the only state to say no more. The ban on formula samples is happening in many places around the country and soon we may be a no free formula samples in hospitals kind of country.
I realize some will blast all this. Question what the mothers who can't or don't want to breastfeed should do. Act as if the world is ending because *gasp* free samples of formula won't be coming home with new moms in their hospital stash right next to all the extra absorbent maxi pads.
I want to say this: I love formula. It's fantastic. It should be more awesome and companies should be more careful about making it as safe and as great as possible. Many of us need it. But if you want free formula samples, contact the formula companies. You will get them sent to your home and coupons and all that jazz. The banning of the free samples from the hospital is something I applaud even though I know how needed formula is because hospitals should have their patients' best interest in mind. And if a mom wants to breastfeed and has the free sample formula in her home and in a moment of insomnia decides to give baby just one bottle, that one act can ruin a woman's chances of breastfeeding until the recommended 6 months by the American Academy of Pediatrics, or the World Health Organization's 2 years. We shouldn't be ruining chances when it comes to this. There shouldn't be a free temptation, given to a mom at a tender time, a whirlwind moment filled with overwhelming emotions.
Formula is great, and needed, and so necessary for so many. This isn't an attack on formula or those who use it. It's instead an effort to help breastfeeding. At no one's expense.
What do you think of the push to ban formula freebies in hospitals?
Image via nerissa's ring/Flickr
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Comments 111
I would also like to add I CHOSE to stop breastfeeding at 3 weeks PP when I went back to work. I dont believe so may people "cant" do it. There is nothing wrong with not wanting to, and there is NO reason to shame people for their choices. In fact, the choices we make regarding food and our health a little later in life have a bigger impact than whether a baby is breast or bottle fed in the beginning.
How can you say its a victory from nursing moms that formula feeders wont get samples? Its more like a loss for formula feeders, as this shouldnt affect breastfeeding moms AT ALL since its not intended for them. That is like saying getting rid of food stamps is a victory for tax paying rich people, when in reality it would just be a loss for poor folks. It sounds very bitchy and holier-than-thou.
I love how formula feeders have to jump in to defend themselves every time tehre is a pro breastfeeding article.
Formula sucks. It's great for those who need it, but yes, free samples just lead to temptation for those new moms who are sleep deprived or having a difficult start and it's good if hospitals don't give free samples.
Time for breastfeeding to be the norm agan. If you feel offended by the fact that formula is crap, then tough tittie.
It's amazing how even when it's made clear that noone is attacking formula feeders that you people STILL ACT LIKE YOU'RE ATTACKED.
Formula samples are great for people who go in wanting to formula feed, but they can be tempting for someone who wants to breastfeed and it's not right.
Why bitch because you aren't getting something for FREE. You're not paying for that formula. Go to WIC or go buy your own. You're not being deprived of formula.
*SMFH*
I think it would be great if they took the formula samples from the hospitals and donated them to women and children shelters or food pantries. That way it's going to people everyone knows will need it.
I think it's a bit greedy to expect free samples. Whether is formula, shampoo, or even the gratuitous green and blue binks. While I'm sure it's helpful, any new or seasoned mom knows they need to have food at home for their baby after it's born. If they haven't already bought formula ahead of time or planned to nurse, then I question their ability as a mother.
Sure babies come early, but it shouldn't be too difficult to have your significant other or family member swing by the grocery store after taking mom and baby home. But still, it seems a little silly this is an actual law. Why not let the hospital decide if they're going to give out the samples?
Like a free can of formula is going to be what makes a woman choose formula feeding. I breastfed all of my kids....but a free can of formula/samples were nice as a back up if I left baby and had no milk pumped.
And ParentalRights1 ...your statement makes NO sense! "Why bitch because you aren't getting something for FREE" If you were getting something for free and it was taken away, I think any sane person would bitch! If all of a sudden it cost $5/book to check books out of the library, there would be a LOT of bitching! Also, I can't just "go to WIC" I don't qualify, I make more than 30 cents a day, so I make too much for that, but to still buy formula outright is a HUGE expense, so every little can/bottle/sample we've ever been given has been VERY much appreciated. Just because some people feel that other people shouldn't get stuff for free does NOT give them the right to take it away. I don't think it's fair that my neighbors have well water and get their water for free while I'm on city water and have to pay--perhaps I should holler and fuss and force them to buy their water too....see, they'd gripe if their "free stuff" was taken away from them. It's not up to doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, lawyers, government officials, the janitor in the hospital to decide for a family, it's up to the family to decide whether to use formula, goat's milk, kool-aid, or breastmilk. As for using any of those exclusively, again, up to the family to decide--NO ONE ELSE!
Just ask North Korea.
AMEN!! KellyBSchrute!!