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Formula distribution to breast-feeding mothers declines in US hospitals
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The distribution of formula care packages to breast-feeding mothers by hospitals decreased by 41 percentage points between 2007 and 2013, according to a study published in Pediatrics.
“Successful breast-feeding is hampered by distribution of infant formula discharge packs, which is a common practice in the United States,” study researcher Jennifer M. Nelson, MD, MPH, of the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity at the CDC, and colleagues wrote. “These packs provide new mothers with infant formula samples, infant formula coupons, advertising materials, and other baby products.”
The researchers used information gathered through Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care, a survey distributed to U.S. hospitals and birthing centers by the CDC every 2 years.
The results showed significant declines in hospitals disbursing formula packs to breast-feeding mothers. Between 2007 and 2013 distribution declined from 72.6% to 31.6%. Furthermore, this decline was observed in all hospital types examined, including private hospitals, government hospitals, birth centers, teaching hospitals and nonteaching hospitals.
The most substantial decreases were seen in teaching hospitals and hospitals with at least 5,000 births per year. In both groups the rate of disbursement in 2013 was less than 12%.
“This decline occurred during a period when the medical profession was critically evaluating the impact of commercial influences on professionalism and scientific integrity,” Nelson and colleagues wrote.
Researchers also posit that these findings may signify increased hospital participation in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which was established in 1991 by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund, to promote breast-feeding.
Infant feeding awareness has gained popularity in the U.S., with many maternity facilities opting to voluntarily discontinue the distribution of infant formula packs, according to researchers. State programs and national campaigns such as “Ban the Bag” have been launched to provide hospitals with the information needed to discourage the use of infant formula discharge packs.
“Additional progress in eliminating the distribution of infant formula discharge packs could improve the initiation and duration of successful breast-feeding,” the researchers wrote. – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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