>I think that a good solution to the issue of preferred formula is to cover
>up the formula label. I know that several people do this when using it. No
>name recognition should happen at all.


This is also a good test of whether the formula company want to get
something for their money.

If they are unhappy to be totally anonymous to consumers, then it rather
shows they hope to get a return for their investment.

Actually, I think free (wrong word - *someone* is paying, maybe with their
health) formula, even anonymous, free formula, can never be ethical.

Is there any other consumable used in a hospital which is given at no cost
by the manufacturer? Probably only marketing stuff like notepads and pens
with logos and other branding on. Free formula is a marketing tool, and it
would be interesting to see what budget heading it comes from in the
manufacturer's accounts book. I would expect it to be marketing - and
marketing means they want to sell more of it.

If they sell more of it, fewer babies are getting breast milk.  We also
know that giving samples of free formula reduces the length of time mothers
breastfeed - what is free formula in the hospital, but an extended series
of free samples?

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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