I just got home from the annual Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition Conference. It was, as I expected, an informative and fun day. I learned more about breastfeeding twins (and triplets!), communication skills, and new requirements for breastfeeding support at hospitals in the state.
But one of the most interesting presentations was on efforts to get rid of the formula company diaper bags given to new mothers at hospitals. These are the "freebie" bags that usually contain formula and other goodies emblazoned with formula company logos. Earlier this year Massachusetts became within a hair of becoming the first state in the nation to prohibit the distribution of these bags at hospitals, and there is a growing national movement to ban the bags, which you can read about here.
I got one of those bags when I left the hospital after having my son. I can still tell you the exact spot on the exact shelf where that can of formula sat. And recently, looking through my son's baby book, I found formula logos everywhere, including his crib card from the nursery and his growth chart from our pediatrician.
There is solid research showing that when hospitals give these bags away mothers are more likely to start using formula. Even when the formula itself is removed from the bag, the bags have an effect. This is probably why the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many other organizations oppose the distribution of these bags.
I love freebies just as much as anyone, but I really object to the marketing of formula - or really any product - to patients at hospitals. I trust my doctors and nurses to give me good advice to keep my family healthy, not to advertise products - especially ones which can undermine healthy choices like breastfeeding.
I know that this is a more controversial topic than those in the other posts, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Did you get one of these bags? What did you think when you got it? What do you think of the effort to "ban the bags?"
