Your recent editorial “Breastfeeding by coercion” shows an unfortunate lack of information on the history and role of free formula given to mothers by hospitals. Routinely distributing formula to mothers, whether in the hospital or on discharge, gives the message that this product is being endorsed by the hospital and the normal way to feed a newborn. That is why drug companies promote hospital distribution of formula. It is not just a neutral freebie but powerful advertising for a product which increases a baby’s chance of respiratory infection, diabetes, asthma and leukemia. No ethical health care provider or institution should be involved in that. The real coercion is not the evidence-based effort to promote breastfeeding, but the attempts of formula companies to promote their product through distribution by providers who women trust.
Ellen Catalinotto Certified Nurse Midwife New York City