Are Formula Samples Harmful to Breastfeeding?
I recently read an article that weighed the pros and cons of the free formula samples given to new moms when they leave the hospital. For moms who choose to or must formula feed, this is a good way to save some money. But what about breastfeeding moms? Is there a risk involved? Will it cause new moms to give up nursing in favor of formula at the first sign of trouble?
Here is my experience: I got the free bag and I did use the samples even though I was nursing. Initially, my son seemed to have a problem with my milk (he had symptoms of an allergic reaction) and I couldn't figure out what it was and I was glad to have those samples there. So my problem wasn't with the samples. Here's where the problem came: My doctor told me to wean him and put him on a soy formula because he was reacting to all the dairy in my diet.
I tried to wean him. I wasn't nearly as learned about breastfeeding back then and I was quite sleep deprived, but luckily I ran across some moms right here on the Internet who helped me achieve my "light bulb" moment. They told ME to drink the soy (or rice) instead and cut the dairy out of my diet. That worked and we continued our breastfeeding relationship for the next four (count 'em, 1-2-3-4, FOUR) years.
What I didn't know then was that not all doctors are all that educated about breastfeeding and I happened to have picked the least knowledgeable one of the lot. So the samples didn't hurt me, but my doctor's advice could have. Luckily my milk supply survived after a week of trying to wean my 3 week old baby. Luckily I found moms who knew what they were talking about. So I can say that the samples didn't kill our nursing relationship. But would they hurt a mom without the luck I had?
What about you? What do you think? And since I'm baring my soul here, what's your story? If you've got a breastfeeding story to share, send it my way and I'll blog it as part of this wonderful month celebrating what was once one of my (and my son's) favorite things.
Comments
I agree that most pediatricians know almost nothing about breastfeeding. They recommend all kinds of things that end up working out for the formula companies in the end. They have no training. I think a good start would be to have all the pediatricians - especially the young ones in school - have a huge course on breastfeeding if its to have a chance for a come back in our society.
I doubt women wait until they’re at the hospital to consider breastfeeding — they’ve thought about it in advance; they’ve talked to friends and health care professionals; and they know by the time they deliver what they’re going to feed their baby.
With my first daughter, I wasn’t able to start breastfeeding until she was six weeks old because of meds I was taking to control blood pressure. The free samples came in handy until I was able to start nursing. I nursed my second from he beginning, so I simply gave the samples to someone who had chosen bottle feeding.
Plus, those gift bags are more than just formula, at least where I received it. There’s a diaper bag (that I still see women carrying), a rattle, black and white images to stimulate baby, and all sorts of information about immunizations, learning, etc.
how come health care workers can accept all kinds of free goodies from pharma companies and claim they are never influenced by the gift and then turn around and say giving me a free sample of similac has made me decide not to breastfeed? if i am so easily swayed surely they all are too.
Some women - a lot of them - both breastfeed and use formula. I think family members who always assume a baby is hungry when they are crying probably have a lot more to do with people using formula than formula samples do!
I chose to use formula and would again. The gift bag had no influence whatsoever on that decision. I didnt even care for the type/brand of formula. This is a non-issue and a waste of legislation. I’m a educated person who made an informed decision that formula feeding was right and good for my babies. I dont find the evidence compelling to breastfeed (and I spent hours and hours reading it). My children didnt get ear infections, asthma allergies. They are rarely ill. They are now older, smart and doing very well in school. Their grandparents and father were very involved with their feeding and it was a wonderful and under-reported experience. I respect my many friends who breastfeed but experienced many intrusive but wellmeaning people trying to “educate” me on why breast was best. What a way to start off with new moms from the very beginning thinking that no matter what they do it will never be enough for their kids. It’s one of the symptoms of our society that over indulgences and hand holds our kids.
I also got all those free samples and coupons in the mail before my baby was born. I had decided to breast feed from the time I found out I was pregnant and threw most of it out and gave some to friends. But now Im at home with my ten day old son, and I wish I had kept some of those samples. I just can’t do it mentally… I started out wanting to breast feed but now I feel so tied down my free spirt can’t take it. Does Jack want breast milk or a happy healthy mom? I think the worst thing is that people make such a big deal out of breast feeding that it makes some moms feel like such a failure to not do so. Now at present time Im still breast feeding until I find a formula that I am comfortable to replace my breast milk with. But let’s just be glad that they send those samples and mothers who feel like me have a choice.
I kept a sample can of formula in a cabinet after my daughter was born so that if there was an emergency (ie. something happened to me) there would be something readily available to feed her. Thankfully, I never even opened it.
With my second daughter I kept the samples and have used it occasionally out of convenience. But her main source of nutrition is breast milk.
I believe women make choices … a can of formula may lend a small bit of weight in one direction but I can’t imagine it being the sole reason someone would stop breastfeeding.