We have discussed formula-containing discharge bags before. The giving of
these bags is usually tied into the contract the formula company has with the
hospital. The hospital receives a large amount of cash, supplies, trinkets
like coffee mugs and name badge holders with the brand name of the formula on
them, food for staff, etc in exchange for giving out these bags. 90% of
mothers who receive these bags stick with the brand they were given in the
hospital. These bags are designed to cause breastfeeding mothers to
supplement, thereby suppressing their milk production and causing
insufficient milk supply, the major reason for premature weaning worldwide.
When insufficient milk supply has been established then formula purchasing
begins, creating a market for formula that did not formerly exist.

While gathering studies on the effect of formula samples on breastfeeding may
be helpful in your institution you need to check first if there is a contract
with the formula company supplying your nursery with free food. Studies are
easily dismissed. You can state that you are presenting evidence that
formula-containing bags cause supplementation which the companies readily
admit in writing. Ask for the evidence that these bags are therapeutic and
safe. Ask your risk management people how they feel about giving a product to
a family that could provoke an allergy or diabetes. The presence of this
contract if there is one needs to be brought to the attention of your ethics
committee and the president or CEO of your hospital.

Ask if any other unit in the hospital markets products to patients that could
be detrimental to their health. Does the cardiac unit discharge patients with
free samples of low tar cigarettes and coupons for potato chips? Why is there
so much resistance to getting rid of the bags? See if you can pinpoint the
who and the why behind the bag giveaway. Suggest the hospital market itself
with homegrown bags rather than peddling products for someone else. Also
check to see if the bags are tied into a purchasing contract. Many hospitals
are part of a purchasing group that buys supplies and medications in large
bulk quantities. Since some formula companies are part of pharmaceutical
companies, the bags and free formula may have to be accepted by the hospital
in order to get the discount on the other supplies.

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