I have been hearing that there is a push on to get mothers to give
"informed consent" to formula supplementation.  I think we should all be
very very careful of this, because it may prejudice the mother's ability
to sue later on, and possibly prevent class action suits in the future
against the formula companies.

There is no doubt that we need to teach mothers the risks of formula
feeding.  There is no doubt that mothers should be making informed
choices for *any* interference with normal feeding, not just for giving
formula.  But if we start making mothers sign that they understand the
risks of giving formula, especially when they are in a vulnerable state,
we may be helping them sign away their rights to future compensation.

Education, teaching is what counts, not signing a piece of paper.  At
one hospital I work at, we have a signed consent for using bottles.  Any
nurse with her wits about her can make any mother, no matter how strong,
sign the consent without even working up a sweat.  But at least our
consent is for bottles not formula.

This push for informed consent to give formula is apparently being
backed financially by an infant formula company.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC