I don't agree with this ....

[patch2006uk]

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Hospitals here don't provide nappies, you're expected to bring your own. If you forget or baby is perm, they have a limited supply, but you're expected to make your own arrangements. It's your baby, after all.

 

[Saphira]

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Hospitals here don't provide nappies, you're expected to bring your own. If you forget or baby is perm, they have a limited supply, but you're expected to make your own arrangements. It's your baby, after all.

Oh! I brought a whole pack of NB size diapers to the hospital and pretty much got laughed at by my midwife and a nurse who said to put them away. Babies are provided all they could possibly need in the hospital I delivered at - all creams, baby clothes, nipple cream, pacifiers etc. I was basically told to put away. The lady sharing the room with me couldn't believe how much I was in a rush to leave. Guess some get quite cosy in the hospital but I wanted out asap. Then again, a large chunk of worker's salaries goes straight towards health insurance every month so such "freebies" are nearly to be expected here.

 

[Stelly]

I'm not understanding the big argument on the "points" system and formula at the stores... all those point systems are is a marketing scheme to buy from that store and to buy certain products for larger point values... So one item you buy doesn't have points- so what???

Getting "points" for your purchase isn't a right, its a marketing ploy, and a lack of points on a certain product is by no means hindering your liberties or freedoms or is "unfair". They aren't banning the product, they just aren't offering coupons and such. It's not made to make people feel bad...

 

[PepsiChic]

PepsiChic, hope you don't mind if I comment on some of your paragraphs that caught my eye, and I mean to do so in respect.

Not at all hunny, Its nice to hear other peoples thoughts in a civil way

breast is best....thats about the only true thing written on tins of formula! I dont think by having it on the tin its shoving anything down anyones throat...I mean after all, you still bought the formula so that one line hasnt phased you enough to put it down and stick baby on your breast.

I don't really understand what you mean by the last sentence - why would it make someone want to put it down and try to BF when it hasn't worked out and supply's dried up anyway? Or the various other reasons, all just as valid as the next. I don't particularly get the point in having lines such as "breast is best" on formula personally as baby's got to get fed, why do moms who've resorted to FFing for whatever the reason have to be continually reminded they're only doing the mere second best? What's best is what works best in that family's situation. There are so many reasons why formula is in fact best for some babies while there are also so many reasons why breast is best for others. Depends entirely on that family's circumstances.

Ive never said formula is second best, Ive always said its the best alternative, the reason for that is because I dont beleive formula is some evil green eyed monster. However formula has made it all too easy for people to overlook the benefits of breastfeeding. and those who had issues with breastfeeding, like low/dried up supply should be encouraged to seek help rather then pick up a tin of formula.....and that completely comes from a personal experiance...as I aid my suppy got lower and lower by 6 months it was gone. I didnt know where to go to get help, I didnt get the help I needed at the hospital when he was born so I didnt stand a chance.

Maybe...rather then just "breast is best" they should add - "if your having problems breastfeeding please dont hesistate to contact xxx-xxx-xxxx to speak to a lacation consultant"

I hadnt even HEARD of the LLL till I started ctively posting on BnB and by then it was too late...or I felt it was too late.

Hospitals - should not have to supply formula if that is how you choose to feed your baby..they dont pay you to breastfeed, so why should they pay for you to formula feed? thats a little one sided! Not to mention, NHS proveds "free" health care, you pay very little in taxes towards it, if they start supply formula...expect a huge tax increase...theres a lot of hungry babies in those hospitals!

I'm not sure.. I see what you're saying, for parents who've decided to start baby on formula to bring in their own would be a good idea especially since the hospital probably won't have the brand they'd use. But, in cases of BFing starting out rocky or not working out altogether I believe formula needs to be there and available. Also to the moms who've decided beforehand to FF because you don't know their situation, maybe baby's come earlier than due date and they were caught unprepared. So many things can happen.. and sure, dad could run out and get a box but there are those extreme cases, like mine, where baby's born days before Christmas or right on Christmas and everything's closed for days. Heck, this year I think the stores are closed for 4 days straight. So, hospitals should be stocked with formula.

Hospitals do provide "emergency" formula for those who have premies or trouble breastfeeding, the amount you get varies from hospital to hospital, but once you realise you need that formula you are expected to get someone to bring you some of your own if your there for an extended time. (This is UK and some US hospitals). In the US you pay a lot of money to "rent" a hospital room, and the services provided which includes diapers, wipes, powder, cream, and formula....but it doesnt include the cost of renting a breastpump while your there, so what if your baby has to be tube fed and you wanted to give him/her breastmilk - you either have to pay to rent a pump or buy one

I also want to mention that here in the US...you are given MULTIPLE free formula samples and bottles to take home with you from the hospital...they also offer to take and feed your baby for you so you can get some rest....but to get help if you choose to breastfeed? I had to ask 4 times to 3 different nurses to remind them that i was going t o breastfeed and need to see a lactation consultant, even then she only stopped by the room 10 minutes before we were leaving the next day, gave me a small 2 page leaflet on positions and left.

I had a similar experience here in Germany. While the nurses were prepared to FF my baby while I slept the first time in at least 2 days, they were completely unprepared or willing to spend some time with us to give BFing a better shot. I get it, they see so many new babies and moms through the years and maybe it all becomes robotic for them. Maybe they don't see us as desperate for help in getting BFing to work. Maybe they just don't have the desire to put the time in, or see their responsibility as caring for the babies only, I don't know. They're probably overwhelmed with work so such matters get pushed far aside. I do know the lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at was away until the next week so I'd expect more help from the nurses at that time especially.

Sorry to hear you went through a similar experiance, its quite sad how they dont want to take the time to help you establish (or at least start to) breastfeeding.

 

[little_lissy]

Ok I'm not getting into the breast V bottle debate, everyone has there own opinions so please if your just going to lecture on the benefits then please don't as that's not what this thread is for ....
Anyway my point being is that nowadays everyone just 'assumes' your going to breast feed, which fair enough doesn't bother me, however thinking about this further I've noticed that all formula milk adverts on tv are for 'follow on' milk and never for first infant milk. Also whilst just browsing the mothercare website I came across a formula starter pack, which the first thing it says is 'breast milk is best formula should only be used after consultation with your doc or midwife'

Now I totally understand the benefits of breast feeding, however at the end of the day shouldn't it be our decision as to how we choose to feed our own child? Without being made guilty if we decide to choose formula? Recently I've had 4 friends who all wanted to breastfeed and all ended up having to bottle within a week due to different reasons meaning they couldn't, however 3 of my friends were completely devastated that they couldn't breast feed and felt a failure, I never understood this at first but thinking about it now I can see why they felt like this as all society is trying to get us to breast feed as it seems to be expected of us. Surely this isn't right? It's our baby so it should be our decision what we choose to do?
Does anyone else feel like this or am I just seeing too much into this?
And once again PLEASE DON'T comment on the debate of bottle V breast cause ano how heated those get and that's not what I want.

With a topic like this you really can't win- so I say, ignore everyone else and do what makes YOU and YOUR baby happy.

Some people like to judge- pathetic but it happens. Personally I would never do it but some people do.

I was at a baby group with a friend last week (I went thinking I could meet some other mums before I have my own baby) and some mother started tutting when she started breast feeding her little boy.

With another friend at the weekend who got a bottle out to feed her little girl in COSTA and there was a woman sat in front of us who decided to announce to whoever she was talking to on the phone that "some people are too lazy to breast feed and do what is right for their babies now a days".

You just have to brush these things off and carry on doing what makes you happy.

 

[mama2mybears]

Ok I'm not getting into the breast V bottle debate, everyone has there own opinions so please if your just going to lecture on the benefits then please don't as that's not what this thread is for ....
Anyway my point being is that nowadays everyone just 'assumes' your going to breast feed, which fair enough doesn't bother me, however thinking about this further I've noticed that all formula milk adverts on tv are for 'follow on' milk and never for first infant milk. Also whilst just browsing the mothercare website I came across a formula starter pack, which the first thing it says is 'breast milk is best formula should only be used after consultation with your doc or midwife'

Now I totally understand the benefits of breast feeding, however at the end of the day shouldn't it be our decision as to how we choose to feed our own child? Without being made guilty if we decide to choose formula? Recently I've had 4 friends who all wanted to breastfeed and all ended up having to bottle within a week due to different reasons meaning they couldn't, however 3 of my friends were completely devastated that they couldn't breast feed and felt a failure, I never understood this at first but thinking about it now I can see why they felt like this as all society is trying to get us to breast feed as it seems to be expected of us. Surely this isn't right? It's our baby so it should be our decision what we choose to do?
Does anyone else feel like this or am I just seeing too much into this?
And once again PLEASE DON'T comment on the debate of bottle V breast cause ano how heated those get and that's not what I want.

You asked, "shouldn't it be our decision as to how we choose to feed our own child?" The reality is that it *is* our decision. No one is taking away our right to choose how to feed our babies. No one is saying we can't formula feed. Anyone can go out and buy a tub of infant formula and give it to their baby.

You asked, "without being made guilty if we decide to choose formula?" The reality is that no one can *force* you to feel guilty. You are an informed woman who has made a conscious choice. Why would you ever feel guilty about that?

As for what other people do and say, ex. breastmilk is best, or assuming you will breastfeed, what do you want them to do, lie and say "formula is just as good as breastmilk?" Because the reality is *it is not,* and that has been proven by medical research a hundred times over in every way. I would assume that most mothers want to do what is best for their baby, for example, I would assume that you wouldn't smoke around your baby. I would assume you wouldn't start your baby on solid food with vanilla pudding. I would tend to assume you would place your baby on its back to sleep. But these are assumptions, and in fact, I do know a mom who smokes around her baby, a mom who gives her 6-month old vanilla pudding, and a mom who puts her baby to sleep on its stomach. And no, I did not call social services, or even say a word to her about it as *it is her choice.* But I do wonder, "why is she giving her baby vanilla pudding? Doesn't she know cereal is better?" "doesn't she know being placed on the back is safer?" "doesn't she know secondhand smoke is really bad for babies?"

I don't think it's unfair at all to have these questions. I personally keep my mouth shut about others' parenting choices, but we are all eventualy faced with unsolicited advice, so if someone is questioning you and telling you the facts, all you have to do is tell them to mind their own business.

 

[bluecathy1978]

Ok I'm not getting into the breast V bottle debate, everyone has there own opinions so please if your just going to lecture on the benefits then please don't as that's not what this thread is for ....
Anyway my point being is that nowadays everyone just 'assumes' your going to breast feed, which fair enough doesn't bother me, however thinking about this further I've noticed that all formula milk adverts on tv are for 'follow on' milk and never for first infant milk. Also whilst just browsing the mothercare website I came across a formula starter pack, which the first thing it says is 'breast milk is best formula should only be used after consultation with your doc or midwife'

Now I totally understand the benefits of breast feeding, however at the end of the day shouldn't it be our decision as to how we choose to feed our own child? Without being made guilty if we decide to choose formula? Recently I've had 4 friends who all wanted to breastfeed and all ended up having to bottle within a week due to different reasons meaning they couldn't, however 3 of my friends were completely devastated that they couldn't breast feed and felt a failure, I never understood this at first but thinking about it now I can see why they felt like this as all society is trying to get us to breast feed as it seems to be expected of us. Surely this isn't right? It's our baby so it should be our decision what we choose to do?
Does anyone else feel like this or am I just seeing too much into this?
And once again PLEASE DON'T comment on the debate of bottle V breast cause ano how heated those get and that's not what I want.

I got post natal depression after I had my first baby because he wouldnt breast feed and as he was 10lb 15 oz he was getting more and more stressed and his blood sugar levels were dropping low that after me begging they let me give him formula.

I have tried to breastfeed all my babies but they have all ended up on formula.

I was chatting to my health visitor about it after my last child and she aggreed that there is too much pressure put on mums to breastfeed. It doesnt always come easy or at all for some mums. She used to be a midwife too!!

I think it should be up to the parent to decide. I will be trying to breastfeed this baby but have bought formula too.

 

[hapi2bhealthy]

Well I mean midwives are pushy about BF'ing because nutritionally no-one can say it's NOT better than formula, so of course they are very pro-breast. But they also are quick to suggest formula and bottles if mum and baby are just not getting the whole BF'ing thing together and everyone is a hot mess...well they do here anyway...

BF'ing can take months to master and many women give up trying for whatever reason before then (work, family commitments, whatever). If you have to get back to work, for ex, within a few weeks, you prob won't have the time to get into a great BF'ing routine and formula is a great answer for that. We aren't living in the 40's anymore and most of us have to bloody work to pay the mortgage instead of sitting around fondly nursing our babies 24/7!

It's not about making people feel bad it's just about people making informed decisions: breast milk is, without argument and whole heartedly back by every scientist in the known world, nutritionally perfect for your baby, BUT if it's not working for whatever reason, then formula is there. Simple.

Personally I don't give a crap how others choose to feed their kid, not my problem.

 

[weebun]

I think it's wrong that they don't advertise formula's only follow ons etc, also I notice in boots and I presume the same goes for other stores that they don't do money off or promotional offers and points on formula milk....It is up to us how we feed our babies and I'm someone who initially breast fed when my first two were first born but I always go onto formula I never intend to breast feed for long, as I do find it considerably hard as my babies become more hungry and demanding x

formula is bloody expensive and I think it's wrong that they penalise us for choosing to feed our babies how we want, I reckon they are forced to price the formula high also x

 

[Wiggler]

I think it's wrong that they don't advertise formula's only follow ons etc, also I notice in boots and I presume the same goes for other stores that they don't do money off or promotional offers and points on formula milk....It is up to us how we feed our babies and I'm someone who initially breast fed when my first two were first born but I always go onto formula I never intend to breast feed for long, as I do find it considerably hard as my babies become more hungry and demanding x

formula is bloody expensive and I think it's wrong that they penalise us for choosing to feed our babies how we want, I reckon they are forced to price the formula high also x

The price would be even higher if they were allowed to advertise and do promotions on it. Everything that is heavily advertised is more expensive. These laws are in place to protect formula feeders, not penalise them.

 

[aliss]

Instead of looking at it as the government trying to punish formula feeders, it might be better to view it as the government trying to regulate (and in some ways, punish) formula companies instead. A quick look into the history of popular formula countries, their false claims, and what their advertising has done in some countries may make you think twice about how much they should be allowed to promote their products.

 

[doggylover]

I'm not 100% sure that any argument that states (paraphrased) "it's not fair for us not to be offered financial benefits eg coupons and bonus points for buying formula" really stands up to much.

What do breastfeeding mothers receive in the way of financial aid to buy breast pumps, feeding pillows or anything else they use in the pursuit of feeding their child. I don't remember anyone knocking on my SIL door and saying "here are £10 worth of tesco vouchers, well done on breastfeeding"

I don't think you can be mad about not getting boots points (or similar) on formula when you can't scan your boobs and get them on those.

I don't give a toss how people decide to feed their baby, because at the end of the day it is THEIR baby, but I find it hypocritical to complain that there are no financial benefits or incentives offered to ff mothers, when to do so would be to penalise bf mothers, which surely would be just as wrong? surely everyone should be treated the same?

 

[PepsiChic]

but I find it hypocritical to complain that there are no financial benefits or incentives offered to ff mothers, when to do so would be to penalise bf mothers, which surely would be just as wrong? surely everyone should be treated the same?

this is the BEST way Ive seen it phrased so far...

and it makes sense!

there are no financial incentives to formula feed a baby....there are also no financial incentives to breastfeed a baby.

 

[patooti]

When it comes down to it, I think part of the crux of this issue (meaning people feeling put out by how *pushy* midwives are about BFing and about lack of advertising) is that people on both sides need to do what they can to own their choices.

No one and no company can *make* you feel bad about something you choose to do. You control your feelings and responses 100%. I'm surrounded by relatives that are telling me I won't be able to breastfeed. Maybe I won't. But I'm going to LLL meetings *before* baby arrives, having them visit me in the hospital, have a midwife that is also a lactation counsellor and attending a pre-natal breastfeeding course offered in my community. I'm doing all this because I expect Bfing to be a challenge, just like morning sickness was a challenge and hip pain and tiredness in 3rd tri is a challenge.

I'm doing the above things to try and ensure success but also to ensure that I'll be okay with myself and the outcome if things do NOT go to plan. I don't care what OTHER people think about me or my version of effort to make BFing work. I've seen people try that *in my opinion* didn't do enough and didn't have the right info and you know what, my *opinion* of that doesn't matter. Nor should it affect them if they are confident that they did what *they* thought was appropriate. I'm not going to share my opinion with these individuals unless they ask me (public forums are different IMO) but if they ask, I don't feel the need to protect them from my opinion either.


Own your decision. Don't feel guilty. I'm going to do what I want to do but I'm not going to sugar coat the world to help myself feel better. We're adults. That's on us. Formula advertising laws are around because ads give the impression that formula is an easy and equal alternative to breastmilk. FFing is easy so we don't need classes on it, but it's not equal and it's not ideal. It's responsible for significant health costs to babies which would be preventable if only used when necessary (this is supported by published scientific FACTS). That said, I'll be WELL thankful for it if I cannot feed my baby successfully (it's a much better alternative than starvation!!! and I'm not entirely comfortable with milk banks at this stage) and I won't be bothered in the least by what anyone thinks of that because I did what I was comfortable with. Could I do more? Sure. I don't chose to because I'm comfortable. You can judge me for that but I don't care. That's all anyone needs to do. But whining about coupons and advertising, just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Koukla]

I just wanted to respond to some of your points as a mom who has both formula fed and breastfed.

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Also, with the folder of info I got at my last appointment, there was a list of "20 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby!!" Not only was there nothing about risks or benefits of formula feeding, nor how to prepare and store bottles safely, but some of the things on the BF list were total BS, such as:

"Nighttime feedings are quick and easy!" Really? I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as tired feeding baby from my boob as from a bottle- possibly even more tired, since nobody will be able to get up and feed baby but me. The baby will eat for just as long, and probably more often, than with formula.
Lifting my shirt, and latching baby on and going back to sleep as baby nurses, just easier and less tiring then getting out of bed, making a bottle, and having to stay awake as you hold the bottle to feed your baby.
I don't co-sleep, so breastfeeding still requires me to get out of bed. With my son, I also changed his diaper at each feeding so I was getting out of bed regardless to do that. Just my personal experience.

"Breastfeeding is economical- there is nothing to buy." This assumes the woman is a SAHM, since those of us who have to go back to work after 6 weeks need a pump and storage bags, bottles and nipples; even those not working probably need breast pads and nipple cream.
I am a working mom who pumps. I spent alot less money on a pump, 2 bottles, and cheap ziplock baggies then $15-$20 every 3 days on a can of formula.
I'm not saying formula doesn't cost anything... my point was the hospital shouldn't be touting BFing as completely free, because it's not. The only time there's absolutely nothing to buy is if you're a SAHM who can feed immediately every time baby cries and never leaks or gets cracked nipples.

"Going out is simple- nothing to pack by the baby!!" Last time I checked, going out with a baby still requires diapers, wipes, powder/cream, medicine, extra clothes, pacifiers, and any other number of things. Adding a bottle and formula isn't going to make a huge amount of difference. This one is just plain stupid.
Again to me, sitting down and latching baby on is much easier then trying to make up a bottle. And if your baby who is picky and requires it warm it is a hassle to find a place to warm up the water for you.
Getting a baby to latch might be easier than a bottle (for me it wasn't) but again, the way they phrased it is basically false advertising. Whether BFing or FFing, there is NEVER "nothing to pack but the baby!" when going out.

"Breastfeeding makes a mother feel proud- your baby is growing because of something only YOU can give them!!" Well, way to make women who can't physically breastfeed feel bad about themselves. Whether I breastfeed or not, I'm going to feel proud that I gave my baby LIFE. To me, milk pales in comparison to that. Plus, it seems hypocritical to claim that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, then turn around and say it's an accomplishment. Either everyone should be able to do it, or it's something to be proud of because not everyone can do it. It can't go both ways.

To be fair, some of the things on the list were totally valid- but it's obvious they threw a bunch of BS "reasons" in there to inflate the list up to 20. To me, that also seems like pressuring. I'd be more impressed if they gave a printout from the WHO or something.

I would write more, but I am at work pumping, and just don't have the time!

Again, I have nothing against BFing- I tried it. I don't mind healthcare professionals or anyone else saying "breast is best", because it is. What I have a problem with is healthcare professionals spouting of BS in attempts to pressure women.

 

[Koukla]

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Hospitals here don't provide nappies, you're expected to bring your own. If you forget or baby is perm, they have a limited supply, but you're expected to make your own arrangements. It's your baby, after all.

Here they are provided... and if hospitals were to stop providing them due to budget cuts or something, I'd understand that. If they stopped providing them in attempts to force mothers to use cloth diapers, I'd be pissed. My point wasn't so much about what hospitals do or don't provide, it was about their reasons for doing so.

 

[J2011]

i think it may be something to do with the nestle formula scandall that has meant putting these laws into place.

They were convincing mothers in 3rd world countries that formula was much better for the baby. this caused issues as many mothers switched to formula thinking this was best for their child and when their milk dried up, prices increased and many mothers could not feed their babies.

i think after this, formula companies were forced to be more carefull
xx

 

[staralfur]

I don't understand why promoting breastfeeding = shoving it down your throat. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, so it should be promoted. By not giving formula to new moms when they ask for it for no medical reason, they are encouraging breastfeeding.

They're not saying there's no formula allowed in the hospital and if you want to formula feed you must have your baby elsewhere. THAT would be shoving it down your throat.

If you want to FF you are free to do so, just buy your own before you have your baby. Why is that such a problem?

 

[NoodleSnack]

I don't understand why promoting breastfeeding = shoving it down your throat. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, so it should be promoted. By not giving formula to new moms when they ask for it for no medical reason, they are encouraging breastfeeding.

They're not saying there's no formula allowed in the hospital and if you want to formula feed you must have your baby elsewhere. THAT would be shoving it down your throat.

If you want to FF you are free to do so, just buy your own before you have your baby. Why is that such a problem?

It's when it goes pass promotion into something else. I can see not allowing advertisement as equivalent to no advertising for certain medicines to protect consumers, not providing formula to FF mums at birth since BF mum aren't automatically given it either, but not allowing certain healthcare professionals to talk about it prior to birth, making companies print "breast is best" on their tin and websites (it's not on them to put out that message, if the government wants it out, put it on a bus or posters), no information leaflets etc.

We know epidural increases the risk of interventions, imagine if there's a campaign to suppress information about it so women would choose "natural labour" to the extent that's being done with BF and FF. While we may still be "free" to get them, the actions and the policies do have an effect on many people.

 

[patooti]

I don't understand why promoting breastfeeding = shoving it down your throat. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, so it should be promoted. By not giving formula to new moms when they ask for it for no medical reason, they are encouraging breastfeeding.

They're not saying there's no formula allowed in the hospital and if you want to formula feed you must have your baby elsewhere. THAT would be shoving it down your throat.

If you want to FF you are free to do so, just buy your own before you have your baby. Why is that such a problem?

It's when it goes pass promotion into something else. I can see not allowing advertisement as equivalent to no advertising for certain medicines to protect consumers, not providing formula to FF mums at birth since BF mum aren't automatically given it either, but not allowing certain healthcare professionals to talk about it prior to birth, making companies print "breast is best" on their tin and websites (it's not on them to put out that message, if the government wants it out, put it on a bus or posters), no information leaflets etc.

We know epidural increases the risk of interventions, imagine if there's a campaign to suppress information about it so women would choose "natural labour" to the extent that's being done with BF and FF. While we may still be "free" to get them, the actions and the policies do have an effect on many people.

Honestly though, the info is there. It's on the tin. Pick a brand and go for it. It's all going to be fine. If there are allergy issues down the road, the doctors will help you with it at that point but what prenatal advice on FF is actually needed?