Exhibit A: Infant formula given to an exclusively breastfeeding mother
(she donated it to the local pregnancy center)
So my newly formed family of three recently got home from the hospital but before they left they got a little parting gift. A bag of infant formula. This is a breastfeeding mother on her way home to nurse for the first time- now with a handy supply of artificial breast milk for when the going gets tough. SERIOUSLY, what is this?
Research shows that the last thing a mom that is nursing needs is free formula as she navigates the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Giving a breastfeeding mom infant formula as she leaves the hospital is like the wedding planner handing the newly married couple business cards to divorce attorneys as they leave the wedding reception. Have we no faith? Not when infant formula is a BILLION dollar a year industry in this country.
Lactation resources need to be made available to newly nursing moms, not the easy solution of formula for when there are issues with breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding is natural it isn't as instinctual as some would think and both mom and baby need to learn this new skill. Practice makes perfect!
It makes me so angry to know that profit is put first over the health and wellness of both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is the perfect nutrition for baby and it also helps protect the mother from breast and uterine cancer among its running list of other amazing benefits!
There is formula available to every person 24/7. Anyone can go to the store to pick it up in the event of an "emergency"- day or night! Giving breastfeeding moms formula as a "just in case" is helping nobody except the formula companies bottom line. Major THUMBS DOWN to any person and organization that supports this unethical practice!
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