<someone mentioned that Papua New Guinea upon becoming independent realized
that their
traditional bf patterns would be endangered and passed a law that BMS and
bottles could be had only by doctors prescription.>

 It's my understanding that this occured after representatives from large
formula manufacturers entered the hospitals dressed as nurses, and handed
out free samples of their product to new mothers.

Pohnpei State (of the Federated States of Micronesia) also threw the formula
reps out of the hospitals 20 years ago but did not ban the product. However,
it is not available in the hospital. If a new mom wishes to use it, she must
find her own. The hospital will find a milk donor first. Yap State, the most
traditional state of the FSM is now considering banning the bottle.

What a day when bottles are banned and formula is available by prescription
only when donor milk is not available as mother's milk substitue! Hooooray!

Will post an update if Yap bans the bottle.


Lisa Boisvert-Mackenzie, Midwife
East Caroline Islands, Pacific Ocean

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