https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:56:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-244456 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:47:19 +0000 sorrycharlie 244456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chicagowife: <i>A new mother does not deserve to be shamed by her peers or the government for her choice to give her baby a nutritious alternative to breast milk.</i> thank you! this is exactly how I feel. as though the government is telling me I'm not mom enough if I don't choose to BF, and they're going to "lock up the formula." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-244451 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:44:27 +0000 chicagowife 244451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The fact is, breast is not always best for every family. You have no idea what a family is dealing with. Perhaps a mother has inverted nipples, or the baby has a cleft palate, or the mother experienced sexual trauma involving her breasts, or the mother has to go almost immediately back to a job with no BFing support, or perhaps the mother is on medications that make breastfeeding dangerous, or perhaps the mother JUST DOESN'T WANT TO BREASTFEED. A new mother does not deserved to be shamed by her peers or the government for her choice to giver her baby a nutritious alternative to breastmilk. </p> <p>I am so tired of the moralizing and guilting and shaming on this issue. The science does not support breastmilk as a magical elixir. In fact the science supports almost no CAUSAL distinction between breast and formula fed babies. (And before you jump all over me on this, please consult the meta-studies that have been done.) Formulas are an absolutely acceptable and nutritious choice, and if a mother makes it, it's none of your business, and absolutely none of the state's business. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-244370 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:44:25 +0000 sorrycharlie 244370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: oh it's definitely true! who doesn't love freebies, though? lol.</p> <p>in my case (and this is personal, I don't know that this is true for everyone), we are so not rich. formula can be expensive. if we end up having to go the formula route, it would be super helpful to have some samples on hand, especially if she turns out to need a certain type (very much stinks to pay $25 for a can, and after one bottle, realize you can't use it anymore). I will admit to taking whatever freebies come my way! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-244319 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:33:18 +0000 looch 244319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Americans love freebies, sorry but it's true, just read the posts about collecting "loot" from the hospitals after delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243804 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:29:55 +0000 mamimami 243804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: That's funny because I think the opposite. I haven't watched in awhile but after the first couple seasons I was like, "why aren't any of these girls breastfeeding?"</p> <p>I am not trying to act like I am better than anyone else, but I do think it's important for all of us to remember that the Hellobee population and the general population are pretty different in terms of a lot of things, including education level, being informed and inquisitive, socioeconomic level, etc. Just because some people here may choose to FF after getting the facts and having whatever positive/negative experience does not mean that's everyone's approach/reasoning. So I guess that does sound elitist. But I think it's true. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243786 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:23:45 +0000 sorrycharlie 243786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: ah, okay. I don't know that age necessarily has anything to do with it, though. I know this is a silly reference but it's a total guilty pleasure - I've seen many of the girls on 16 and Pregnant breastfeeding their babies, and they are..well, 16. I definitely agree that breastfeeding education should be more accessible and promoted (it is national breastfeeding week, after all!) but also think that by making moms who choose formula feel badly (for whatever reason) isn't the way to go. </p> <p>I'm not saying you're personally making those moms feel badly, but generally speaking--for instance, if I want to FF and everyone is saying formula should be "locked up" and other statements that make me feel as though I'm almost endangering my daughter by not choosing breast milk, I feel like a pretty shitty mom. And that's not fair - because it's my choice, not anyone else's. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243778 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:20:23 +0000 mamimami 243778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: I do think you're misinterpreting it. I was responding to another comment about, for example, a teen mom who might not be informed about breastfeeding vs. formula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243770 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:17:27 +0000 sorrycharlie 243770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: I'm a little offended by this, but I might be misinterpreting what you're writing. Hard with the internet - I consider myself to be extremely well-informed as a mom-to-be, but because I might choose formula over breastfeeding makes me less educated than you? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243762 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:11:43 +0000 ladyfingers 243762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I plan on BF'ing and I've requested so many free samples of formula because you never know. Guess I'm part of the problem ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243740 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:01:57 +0000 baby98765 243740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Where the heck is everyone getting all this free formula from? I've never even received a coupon in the mail. The grocery store gives me coupons but it's always for the brands I am not using, which is less than helpful. I received a few 2 oz. samples from the hospital but that only got my baby through the first few days at home. From my experience, the amount of formula hospitals give out is minimal and is not likely to make or break a person's decision on how to feed their baby. And so what if it does? Formula is not bad for a baby so why is it anyone's else business? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243704 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:46:59 +0000 mamimami 243704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Thehistoryofus: I agree with you 100%. We can't assume all women are making educated decisions just because WE may be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals/page/2#post-243663 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:24:50 +0000 MsLipGloss 243663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TheHistoryofUs: "to get you hooked" . . . : /</p> <p>Promoting = to help or encourage, which applies to either decision. </p> <p>Pushing = tactlessly or officiously aggressive, which also applies to either decision. </p> <p>There is a big difference between the two</p> <p>Parents should be helped and encouraged to do what is best for their families, whether that is breast feeding or formula feeding. What is being left out here is that the common denominator for bF and fF is FEEDING. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-243641 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:12:11 +0000 T.H.O.U. 243641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: Isn't "Pushing" what the formula companies are doing by handing out tons and tons of free samples to get you hooked? Its a very fine line between promotion and pushing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-243628 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:07:06 +0000 MsLipGloss 243628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Promoting and Support? No problem.</p> <p>Pushing and Restriction? Way over the line. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-243610 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:54:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 243610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I understand where people are coming from on both sides of this. I think its good that there be some restrictions on the marketing and handouts from big companies on formula. I completely think formula should be available to those who need and even those who choose to use it. However, I think we do need to do more to educate and push people to try to breastfeed (for health and financial reasons). Again, not saying the mom that is in tears shouldn't turn to formula but the 16 year old mom that is getting assistance should know that there is a free, healthier alternative than the stuff that's being handed out at every corner. There are a lot of ways that breastfeeding could be promoted and supported and I think this is one good step. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-243362 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:02:36 +0000 MaisyMay 243362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning on BFing, but if there are problems or if we need to supplement, then I have no problem with formula. In fact, I'd be grateful to have samples at the house so that I don't have to send Hubs out in the middle of the night to get something LO might need.<br /> I agree that "locking up" is a very inflammatory statement, designed to upset readers. Aren't most things in the hospital regulated? When I was in the hospital for a few nights last summer, I had to ask for anything that I needed. It was all kept track of and charted. It seems like formula will be the same way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-243022 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:21:16 +0000 Freckles 243022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Politicians tend to make these proclamations to grab people's attention...it is easier to ban formula than to put money towards better bf education and support. </p> <p>I was back at the hospital 5 days after LO was born bc she had to undergo overnight phototherapy. Stitches still hadn't healed, it hurt to sit, milk still hadn't come in and I was trying to bf a screaming baby wrapped up in plastic and tubular wires. At 3am. All I cared about was getting my baby fed, even though the nurse was reluctant to give me formula. I broke down crying bc the last thing I wanted to hear at that point was to keep trying the breast. </p> <p>Just bc I broke down and gave my LO formula didn't mean I wasn't going to try my hardest to bf. I kept at it with great support from LLL and top lactation consultants in the area. But until milk production increased, I was grateful to have formula on hand to supplement feedings. In Canada, we don't pay for lact consultant visits and nurses call in frequently to see how bf progress is going. Money going towards similar programs would be much more effective in ensuring that moms were successful with bf'ing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241945 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:47:21 +0000 yoursilverlining 241945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrstilly: I totally agree. I have no issue with smoking bans, or bans on soda. Formula is food necessary for an infant's survival (if you don't/can't BF); and treating formula like some evil candy some mother's want to give because they are not trying as hard as other mothers is obnoxious. </p> <p>I planned to BF and my milk never came in. LO was HUNGRY in the hospital and upset/crying a lot because of it. Even tho I approved the nurses to give her formula, I met a lot of resistance. Then, because she lost so much weight because I didn't have any milk/colestrum, I was made to feel like a shitty parent because she lost too much weight. She needed formula, not for me to get another lecture from the daily lactation consultations I had. </p> <p>I don't know any moms who FF because they are lazy, because they are marketing scheme victims or because they want an easy solution. Yet, you see those myths perpetrated everywhere, subtly and not so subtly.</p> <p>I think this "ban" is taking things too far - formula is a necessary type of food, not baby candy given out by moms dont care as much as those who BF. Bah. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241868 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:03:02 +0000 mrstilly 241868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: It is NOT a public health issue. Breast milk may be better for your baby, but what about the mom who is sobbing because her nipples hurt so bad and she doesn't even want to nurse her child. Is it best for her and her child? To take away the joy because feeding your child is so miserable and painful? Or the mom whos infant has a food allergy or sensitivity, so the mother has to go on an incredibly restrictive diet? How can YOU (or anyone else) say that is the right decision for her and her child? </p> <p>You cannot equate infant formula to soda or smoking. </p> <p>I'm not meaning to attack you, but this campaign is just one more thing to pit mothers against mothers and add to the judgement and criticism.</p> <p>ETA: My original point was that this campaign shines a very negative light on something that is necessary for many moms/babies. There as so many approaches that would promote supporting mothers to breastfeed, instead of attaching a stigma to those who chose formula, for whatever reason. </p> <p>This is not a matter of not having a healthier, cheaper option available. Breastmilk is free and has many health benefits. </p> <p>If healthy food were cheaper than junk food, and people still chose to buy junk food because it is what they wanted, and not just all that they could afford, then that is on them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241860 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:58:20 +0000 mamimami 241860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrstilly: It's not the same, but leaders and governments have (or should have) an interest in public health. While I am glad formula exists for those babies who for whatever reason don't receive breast milk, the fact is that breast milk is better for babies, and that's a public health issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241859 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:57:30 +0000 sorrycharlie 241859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@babynumber1: exactly this! Agree 100%</p> <p>Just because others tell me breast is best, I'm not allowed formula samples anymore (or easily, anyway)? We aren't rich, we are surviving. I don't know if I will breast feed &amp; appreciate every sample I can get.</p> <p>ETA: honestly, this campaign makes me feel worse about myself as a woman and mother than being given formula samples. I feel as though I'm being told I'm not mom enough if I don't choose breast feeding, and that is NOT fair. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241857 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:55:56 +0000 mrstilly 241857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Choosing to feed your child formula IS NOT like choosing to feed your child Pepsi and McDonalds every day. </p> <p>There should be no pressure on mother's who don't want to breastfeed to do so. It is their decision alone. If they want to breastfeed, then by all means bring on all the support and resources you can. I think breastfeeding is the best and it is wonderful, but it is only the decision of the mother. It is not a decision for a doctor, a mayor, or a stranger on the street to make.</p> <p>I totally agree that our society is in trouble health wise. We are glued to screens rather than out playing and moving our bodies. There is a huge amount of cheap, fast but very unhealthy food available while fresh produce and lean meats are very expensive. Pys Ed and recess are getting cut from schools left and right, while kids walk into school eating Doritos and Pepsi. </p> <p>But this campaign to "lock up the formula" is not the same thing as banning sugary drinks over 16oz or banning smoking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241815 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:36:29 +0000 babynumber1 241815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i think locking up formula is going to the extreme. We all know breast feeding is best for baby, but some women don't feel comfortable with BF or having difficulty and have to use formula. </p> <p>My LO is EBF, but in the hospital before my milk came in, I gave LO formula because she was hungry. I didn't need to feel judged or bad about an already difficulty decision when I was in pain and she was screaming.<br /> I also welcomed the samples of formula. I knew I wanted to BF, but you never know what issues you are goign to encounter. We have recieved TONS of samples that are sitting in our pantry in case we need them. If I don't end up using them, they will be donated to the womens shelter. Those samples aren't making me want to breast feed less. But if I have milk issues, it is nice knowing that I have a variety of formulas that I can try without spending any money. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241800 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:26:44 +0000 dookie32 241800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pink Champagne: Honestly, it's easy to have this response when you haven't been through birth yet. Not to be snarky about it but you aren't just "tired"- you are sleep-deprived, sore, hormonal and just absolutely mentally and physically spent. The last thing you need is to hear the "Breast is best" speech for the 100th time. I had a lot of trouble BFing in the hospital. I was so thankful for the nurses who suggested I take a break for a few days and FF when I was in a lot of pain and bawling my eyes out at 3am while my son was screaming with hunger. It wasn't a "quick fix"- it was preserving my sanity. The hospital did make every resource available to me if I wanted to work on BFing but I made the choice not to. I wouldn't have been any more motivated if they had made it more difficult to get formula and that's what I think makes this mandate crazy. </p> <p>So it's a lovely thought that you will exhaust every possible option to BF. I hope you do if it's something that you are passionate about. But some of us really don't want to do that and I shouldn't have to validate my reasons for that to anyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241777 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:56:39 +0000 Pipers Mommy 241777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: I agree, I think the purpose of this tactic is to help people make better educated decisions about what they are giving their child whether it be breast milk or formula. Many times if the choice is formula, parents just stick with what they are giving at the hospital rather than looking into the specific formulas pros and cons. RI and MA have already banned formula from being given out at the hospital. The companies find your address anyways- I had so many samples of formula at my home months before LO was born. The marketing push by these companies is insane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241764 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:48:16 +0000 Modern Daisy 241764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@purrpletulips: I know, it's good and bad. When I first heard about the sugary drink ban I thought it was totally crazy, then after thinking about it some more I started wondering why things like a 24 oz slurpee are even an option in the first place? It's not like there's a limit to how many 16 ozer's you can buy so you can still get nutz with a slurpee if that's your thing, but that much sugar is so bad for you it seems slightly irresponsible for vendors to even offer that in the first place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241754 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:36:45 +0000 Pink Champagne 241754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm ok with this. As others have pointed out, it's not the new moms who are walking the halls of the hospitals, searching for formula. It's the nurses. So, if the nurses are forced to go through a few more hoops, so be it. </p> <p>I am appalled by all of the formula samples we've received since becoming pregnant. I'm thankful that 75% of them expired before my due date so that I could throw them away, but I agree that it's kind of shoved down our throat by the companies who market those products. </p> <p>I plan on exhausting every single resource out there to breast feed, and I know that if it's not easy for me, there are plenty of lactation consultants in my area (not just at the hospital), or, there's always LaLeche League, who have people who can troubleshoot with you over the phone. There's tons and tons of support for moms out there who want to TRY, so I really encourage new moms out there to make the internet your friend- if you can use it to get online to Hello Bee, you can Google search whatever issue you're having and try to find a solution. Don't just give up because there's a quick fix that comes in a box and you're so tired you can't see straight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241746 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:31:24 +0000 purrpletulips 241746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@moderndaisy: I like your perspective, not living in NYC I don't personally have experience with Bloomberg's decisions. While I have my opinions on "government" limiting individual's choices I have also seen the benefit from some (it is nice to come home from dinner out and not smell like an ashtray thanks to smoking bans). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241723 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:11:18 +0000 Modern Daisy 241723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't given birth so I can't say how I feel about this specific issue, but I will chime in and say that Mayor Bloomberg has done a lot of things for NYC that started out being really controversial but are now widely accepted and have contributed to our long life expectancy. Like when he banned smoking, trans fats, and now he's banning sugary drinks over 16 ounces. There was outrage at the beggining of each, but I feel like now we can't imagine things being the way they were. </p> <p>Not being pregnant, my current expectations for the hospital where I eventually give birth at least include encouragement and education about bf'ing. I plan to at least give it a good try since formula is so expensive. It seems like if a hospital chose to make it harder to get forumla then it would create a culture where the nurses automatically pushed that option first before handing out formula, which doesn't seem wrong to me. Of course I would be outraged if I expressed my desire to not BF from the beginning and they gave me a hard time about getting formula, so it would have to be done with respect for the mothers decision regardless of the reason. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloomberg-pushing-breastfeeding-by-locking-up-formula-in-hospitals#post-241721 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:10:04 +0000 purrpletulips 241721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I don't think we should have to pay for others poor choices but again I think the push should be to reduce the marketing of "unhealthy" options (such as fast or processed food items) and education of those who are in a position to offer guidance/advise (the nursing staff at hospitals like @andrea said).</p> <p>As a WOHM with an hour commute one way I try very hard to make healthy meals for my family but getting home after 6PM on weeknights does not permit me to make everything from scratch the way my grandmother was able to do unless I want my family to eat dinner at 9PM or spend no time with my family on weekends because I have to spend all my time prepping meals for the week. I also feel that the push to compete with other countries academically has hurt our families in that there is a push to "get up and move" yet one of the first things to be eliminated from schools during budget cuts is physical education and recess. With the advance of electronic devises and TV, kids aren't encouraged to go outside and play like when I was growing up and that too has hurt. I think educating people on what is a better option is better than forcing people into doing something that someone else feels is right for them (the Pilgrims came to America to get away from religious persecution yet current America is fine with persecuting individuals for other choices). </p>