Rhode Island Encourages Breastfeeding

Providence – Rhode Island's hospitals, in an effort to encourage mothers to breastfeed, are no longer giving away free infant formula.

Citing studies showing breastfeeding is beneficial to both the mother and child, Rhode Island officials are calling the move a vital step toward raising the number of breastfeeding mothers.

Governor Lincoln Chafee said "As the first 'bag-free' state in the nation, Rhode Island will have healthier children, healthier mothers, and a healthier population as a whole. This is a tremendous accomplishment."

Despite what it may seem, Denise Laprade, of Woonsocket's Landmark Medical Center, said the focus is not to force women into nursing but on parental education and helping mothers decide what's best for her and her baby. "We never make any woman feel guilty about her decision," she said, followed by saying she has received few complaints from parents about the new policy.

A “Ban the Bag” campaign say 540 of the 3,300 birthing hospitals stopped giving away formula. Spokeswoman Marsha Walker says the bags are little more than “a sophisticated marketing campaign by formula manufacturers.  Hospitals should market health and nothing else. When hospitals give these out, it looks like an endorsement of a commercial product."


A group representing formula manufacturers, International Formula Council, naturally opposes the move. A statement from the group said “Mothers should be trusted to make good choices for their babies. More than 80 percent of U.S. infants will be given formula at some point during their first year of life ... these educational materials are needed by the vast majority of mothers to ensure infant formula is prepared correctly and the baby's health is not jeopardized." The statement also mentions the bags women are sent home with has “key educational materials” about its use.

The formula will still be available to new mothers who experience difficulties with breastfeeding.