To: Lane3 who wrote (13414 ) 2/27/2006 12:36:10 PM From: epicure Read Replies (1) | Respond to Then perhaps we agree after all.ama-assn.org The Massachusetts Department of Public Health in an effort to promote breastfeeding has banned hospitals from providing new mothers with complimentary diaper bags containing samples of formula, the AP/Yahoo! News reports. Although hospitals can continue to give formula to new mothers, the gift bags -- which were part of a marketing program developed by formula makers, including Mead Johnson, makers of Enfamil, and Nestle -- "implied an endorsement of formula by hospitals," according to the AP/Yahoo! News. Mead Johnson spokesperson Gail Wood said of the ban, "I don't think they're respecting the decisions of women and the decisions of health care professionals," adding, "I think it's not respectful of their privacy." Donna Rheaume, a spokesperson for the MDPH, characterized the ban as a means to promote breastfeeding, citing the health benefits of breastfeeding -- which include fewer ear infections, less gastrointestinal illnesses, and fewer respiratory problems for infants as well as a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer in women. Rheaume added that if a woman decides to use formula instead of breastfeeding her infant, "that choice is going to be supported, as well." In 2004, CDC statistics found that 74% of mothers in Massachusetts chose to breastfeed, and 39% breastfeed until the infant was six months old, a percentage that is below the national goal of 50% but above the nationwide average of 36%, according to the AP/Yahoo! News (Lindsay, AP/Yahoo! News, 12/22/05).
