>In my mind the strongest argument that 'free' formula influences how people
>feed their babies is the fact that the formula manufacturers want to
>provide it free. They want to provide it 'free' because they know it will
help them sell more



Well said, Karleen.

The formula manufacturers, like all businesses, have an agenda which
prioritises profit. Health care providers have (or shouold have) an
agenda which prioritises health, in this case, maternal and child
health.

Manufacturers have to answer to share holders. HCPs have to answer to
their clientsand their employers, not just legally, but ethically,
too.

There is a clear potential for conflict.

When formula milk was provided free to  hospitals in the UK (now this
is an illegal practice), it was on highly visible  trolleys in every
ward, for mothers to help themselves at any time. Now it is paid for,
and the 'help yourself' trolley has gone. This is partly because this
is now something that has to be budgeted for.   The formula (in most
hospitals) is kept in a special place, and usually not on display  -
in some places it is in a locked cupboard.

These days, fewer babies are supplemented with formula in UK
hospitals, according to our stats, and IMHO this is due partly to
better HCP education, alongside the reduction in the availability of
formula.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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