>Heather:  I have to say that my philosophy about the "giving" of free
>formula to the poor is a bit more synical than yours.  I connote this with
>drug pushers giving free drugs to young teens to get them hooked.   The
>parallels between formula and drugs or tobacco in US culture are uncanny.
>Many times these youngsters are lacking positive role models and an adequate
>social support network.  They (the teens) often have low self-esteem and
>lack of all sorts of resources.  Thus, they are extremely liable to anyone
>in an authoratative role who appears to be kind and nurturing (the giving of
>free products).  I have a friend who likens the situation to that of pimps
>recruiting young teen run-aways as prostitutes (they are saviors at first
>who then turn into the devil).  Maybe I just need to put on my "rose colored
>glasses".
>Warmly,
>Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC



Chris: not sure why you have addressed this to me!

I am very cynical about formula and the manufacturers. I think you
must be confusing me with someone else.

The whole idea behind 'giving' free formula is to ensure a
dependency. This is why manufacturers have to be forced, by law, not
to do it.

This has happened in Europe, and why manufactuters resisted the
notion that hospitals  should pay for their formula. They were more
than happy to 'donate' without payment.

Now (in the UK as well as in the US), the state pays for subsidised
formula. There are many arguments why the state should not do this.
One argument is sheer economics. The money spent subsidising the
formula could be spent on support for breastfeeding. This would make
economic sense, as the health of these same mothers and babies would
improve, and they would need less medical intervention.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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