We have been talking about this particular issue in the forums. You can catch up on the debate here. However, I have to say that there isn’t too much of a debate. The overwhelming majority of people feel that warning labels on formula cans are “like a slap in the face to mothers who choose or have to formula feed.” However, like all debates, we are fueled with our personal experiences and I thought it might be helpful to provide some background information on the issue.
Background
The initiative to put warning labels on cans of formula is backed by government health officials, and WHO (World Health Organization). The labels would say something like, “Breastmilk is better for infants that infant formula.” WHO is desparately trying to get the message out that it is risky NOT to feed your child breast milk. I personally think this is where so many mothers who formula feed get upset. None of us likes to think that we’ve put our child at risk and we all take great caution in avoiding risk–do we not?
However, government officials defend their new campaign policy by saying that this is the only area of health where no one wants to talk about risk. They also point out that the conversation needs to be about breast milk, not about breastfeeding. There are alternatives and a mother can still give her own milk even if she is unable to breastfeed. Unless of course she shouldn’t breastfeed due to drug or alcohol intake. (Note: Some perscription drugs would contraindicate breastfeeding as well.) But even then, says WHO, moms can use a breast milk bank and this is still better than formula feeding.
The Real Issue
Many moms feel like warning labels on formula would make them feel guilty. Why would health officials want to guilt moms into breastfeeding? Do they really think that would be the best way to encourage new moms to breastfeed?
Something that I find interesting that very few people talk about is the estimated savings if there were an increase in breastfeeding. Tucked into the pages of WHO’s website are figures claiming that if every mom breastfed it would save hospitals, approximately $500 per child. Breast milk contains immunological properties that help protect and fight against illness and even some diseases thus reducing hospital visits. Likewise, initial research from “Baby Friendly Hospitals” indicates that with the increase in breastfeeding, hospitals are saving anywhere from $500 to $1500 per infant. To me, it seems like one of the big motivating factors is saving money.
My Two Cents
While I agree that breastfeeding is healthier, I have a hard time with advertisements that are so offensive. I want to see the national norm be to breastfeed and/or give breast milk whenever possible. However, I think the money would be spent better at the local level rather than in pushy advertisements. Just like a warning label on cigarettes has done little if anything to discourage people who were already smoking from smoking, advertisements like these do little to encourage moms who are on the fence towards breastfeeding and they definitely have the unpleasant side affect of making some moms feel guilty over their choices.
When I had trouble breastfeeding my third it was incredibly difficult to find resources. I have written before that it was only because she was my third, only because I already knew what breastfeeding could be, that I sought help until I found what I needed to make it work. It was 16 weeks before she fully got the breastfeeding thing down. 16 weeks is a long time if you’re in pain, and trying to feed an infant, and have no support.
I like the baby friendly hospital initiatives because part of the money is spent on hiring qualified IBCLC lactation consultants. Many hospitals show some nurses a video and then label them the “lactation nurse” on the floor. This is fine for the latch on princes and princesses of the world but these poorly trained nurses are very ineffective if your baby is having significant trouble latching on. Rather than pushing formula companies to put warning labels on their cans, I would rather see government health officials push insurance companies to cover the cost of going to see a lactation consultant and make them part of main stream health care for infants and new mothers. Most women who wanted to breastfeed quit because of a lack of support–making qualified IBCLC’s available to every new mom would ensure that if they needed help they could get it.
Talking to moms about breastfeeding and giving breast milk, instead of slapping them with guilt messages in advertising, would be a far better use of resources and money.
Related Articles:
Let’s Be Honest About Formula vs. Breastmilk
Beware of the Breastfeeding Support Bag
Practices That Promote Breastfeeding
When She Still Wasn’t Latching
Breastfeeding Ads vs. Formula Company Lobbies
When You Just Can’t Breastfeed
Why You Won’t Catch Me At a Nurse In