Breast Feeding

Massachusetts Coalition Asks For Voluntary Ban On Formula Sample Bag

The state of Massachusetts is making a strong statement when it comes to Formula Sample Bags given to new moms at hospitals. The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition is urging all hospitals in the state to voluntarily stop providing these bags to new moms.

In a letter sent to the directors of clinical services, CEOs, and marketing divisions of the 39 maternity hospitals currently distributing the bags, the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and nothing else. They also provide a list of the 11 hospitals that have already discontinued the distribution of these samples.

Several prominent medical organizations, including the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Council of District 1 of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Massachusetts section of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, have come together to urge hospitals and offices to eliminate the marketing of infant formula. This is supported by the fact that major medical organizations, such as AAP and ACOG, recommend that babies receive only breastmilk for the first six months of life. Unfortunately, the distribution of formula company discharge bags by hospitals undermines this recommendation.

Surprisingly, while 77% of Massachusetts mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 16.6% exclusively breastfeed at 6 months. This data from 2005, provided by the Centers for Disease Control, highlights the need for change.

Research has shown that when nursing mothers take home a commercial discharge bag, they are more likely to start using formula, even if the formula has been removed from the bag. By distributing these bags, hospitals unintentionally encourage formula-feeding mothers to purchase expensive brands recommended by the hospital, even if it causes financial hardship, as these brands often cost significantly more than store brands.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has made it clear that hospital policies and practices that discourage breastfeeding, such as the promotion of infant formula in hospitals including discharge packs and formula discount coupons, should be eliminated.

Massachusetts is leading the way in promoting breastfeeding and prioritizing the health of new moms and babies. It’s time for hospitals across the state to join the cause and eliminate the distribution of formula sample bags.

About the author

Lisa Arneill

Founder of Growing Your Baby and World Traveled Family. Canadian mom of 2 boys, photo addict, lover of bulldogs, and museumgoer. Always looking for our next vacation spot!

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