Strollerderby

i got the samples 4 years ago with my first but not with my second and third children. Bummer. I have breastfed all of them but I wouldn't have minded getting the samples...those small canisters are great to keep at Grandma's.  Formula is expensive...who doesn't want a freebie?

Maybe it is another one of those mixed messages moms get.  After all, we are told to breastfeed for a year but get only 6 weeks of maternity leave.

I got formula as well, and even though I am very very pro-breastfeeding (and nursed my own daughter until she was three) the formula saved us the first week when I was producing NO milk and she was STARVING. The first night at home she cried for almost 4 hours until her father gave her a bottle of formula. She guzzled it, fell asleep for 4 hours, and this went off and on for the rest of the week. After 6 days, milk came in, formula went out, and we were fine. I was committed to breasfeeding, and saw the free formula as necessary for the first week, but it in no way diminished my desire to breastfeed or, as it turned out, my ability to do so.

I was given the bag with samples twice for one baby, when I was discharged and when he was. I ended up sending both bottles to another mom.  I still get coupons a year later, but they keep coming because I always pass them on to someone who can use them.

I never used the samples but I was relieved when my doctor told me before my milk came in that it wouldn't hurt my baby to supplement with a bottle of formula. It kind of took the pressure off and I think made breastfeeding easier to know I had a backup plan that my doctor had approved.

I got samples at the obstetrician's, the hospital, and the pediatrician.  All encouraged breastfeeding, but said they were given the stuff for free, so they were passing it along in case I wanted it.  

We eventually started supplementing with formula, and, yes, we used the brand we happened to receive as a sample (well, we received 3 brands, but only 1 was still good by the time we wanted to use it, so we used that one).  So the advertising works to some extent.

yup, i got the bag with free samples.  the bag was ugly...i wish i could have left it there for them to recycle/regive.  but i really didn't mind getting the free samples.  even though i never used the formula, it gave me some comfort that if breastfeeding didn't work out, we could save an emergency trip to the grocery store for formula.  and now i can pass them on to my mom friend who had issues with bf'ing.

the material in the bag definitely did not push formula.  it was almost as if they knew all these critics were out there.  instead, it was very bf-friendly, and included BPA-free sample bottles for breastmilk storage.

Yes it is a mixed message, but I liked the bag (we had our choice of one from each of the major companies) and all the stuff that came with it (a book and blanket). I need the formula because I had surgery a week after delivery to fix a broken wrist. While my milk came in fine, I was not at the point where I could pump a bottles worth yet (due to production and limited capability of a broken wrist). So my MIL had to give him a bottle while I was in the hospital. We got free sample in the mail too. I like having them around because I occasionally get lazy and don't pump enough. A little formula now and then is quite alright, especially if your partner giving him the bottle lets you get some sleep!

My situation is the same as Leighs' -- I wound up breastfeeding for a year, but I was glad I had the samples to fall back on before my milk came in. I didn't see any reason to let my obviously hungry baby scream. I do not see a problem with giving a new mother free samples at the hospital -- she doesn't have to take them if she doesn't want them.

I got some samples at the hospital, because in those first few days before my milk came in, my enormous newborn was huuuuungry! The night nurse provided me with one of those devices where you tape the little tube to your breast, so that the breastmilk production is still stimulated while the baby gets a full tummy. I used the samples with the tube for a day or two at home too until my milk came in (and boy, did it ever)--it was a godsend. My baby would not have slept without it.

I didn't mind getting the bag and samples, but I was very upset that they fed him with a bottle before I ever had a chance to breastfeed him (I had a c-section and was recovering from the anesthesia in a different room).

Ditto just about everything above--I am still BF at 15 months, got the samples, never used them (though in hindsight, maybe she would have slept better if I had!) It wasn't a mixed message to me, but then again, I assume women are smart enough to think about it for themselves and will make the right choice for their own situation. Just because something's free, doesn't mean it's a requirement. If you need it or decide to use it, fine, it's your decision.

My hospital also used cloth diapers exclusively, and helped me with the breastfeeding right away.  But they made it clear that everything was my choice, and what worked right for my family.

I got free samples, and they even gave me extra because my baby was early and very tiny. It was great, because my husband could feed her (meaning: I could sleep) right off the bat.  I had a pretty difficult delivery and needed some recovery.  I had no problem breastfeeding and supplementing at the same time.  I also got wipes, diapers, cloths, tissues, all sorts of stuff, and I used and was grateful for every last speck of it.

I think it's slightly insulting that everyone (not the commenters here, the comments in the article) are all up in arms about this.  It's as if they're saying 'women are clearly too stupid and weak-willed to go through with their original plan if provided with options!  Keep formula away from them!  They cannot be trusted.'  

Please.  

As a non-mom I read this post out of curiosity and to educate myself on what mothers go through (I'm soon to be an aunt and want to be supportive of my sister!) You ladies totally impress me with your level heads and perspective during what must have been a stressful time.   Way to go.

i was thinking the same thing BettyWu-I mean really as if we are so dumb.

i got the samples with both kids and my husband used them both times for middle of the night because i went back to work.

I have a perspective from a country that already does not allow samples.

The US is one of the only developed countries that allow formula companies to advertise and target pregnant women and new moms with their samples.  In New Zealand (and most of Europe) there are policies that follow the World Health Org that don't allow that.  I had the hardest time breastfeeding, despite help from lactation consultants and my midwife and when I was ready to try formula, all I found was surgeon general type warnings that what I was about to do was not the best option for my baby.  Way to pile on more guilt!  I'm from the US though and wish that I would've had access to samples and not made to feel so much like a failure when what I wanted didn't work out.  Turns out my little boy had a tongue tie that prevented him from latching.  

I think the samples are a big help especially if you are too weak to run to the store to get formula.  My baby wanted breast and bottle, as most babies do.  They will eat anything.  The "nipple confusion" thing is a myth.  Soem babies who are weak will prefer the bottle as it is easier to suck but they are the very ones who need formula for grow stronger so they can breast feed eventually.  Dumb story.  This is not a conspiracy.

People, advertising works, otherwise companies wouldn't do it. It has nothing to do with "being dumb" -- when people are given free samples of stuff, they tend to use it, and they tend to have a more positive attitude towards it. This should not come as a surprise.

it wasn't the samples that pissed me off (though i did get them), it was the MANY nurses and a pediatrition who came in during our hospital stay and told us the our son was 1) hungry and needed formula (implying that we were starving him or doing some harm by breasfeeding and letting nature run its course as far as my milk coming in) and 2) was going to become jaundice if we didn't give him formula. it was bad. i didn't even want them to take him out of our sight for one minute for tests out of fear that they were going to slip him a bottle of formula against our wishes. it must for hard for people to make a choice based on all of the facts when you have "experts" pushing you so hard in one direction.

I think it's a non-issue. We were offered the bag at the hospital, and I went through it, took out the formula samples, and kept the bag (it stayed in our trunk as an emergency diaper bag), as well as a shortened version of the breastfeeding book I already had at home, which I found particularly useful. The nurses on the floor asked me for the formula I was going to throw away and I happily obliged. Everyone wins!

Gotta love the freedom of choice!

I understand that breastfeeding is the best choice for your baby---if you and the baby are physically able.  It's not always an option.  My daughter was 7 weeks early and could not nurse.  I tried to pump but was unable to produce enough to sustain her so after a month I gave up.  She's now 2  and half and healthy as a can be (knock on wood)--no allergies, rarely ever sick--has never even had an antibiotic.  

With my son I had to have extensive abdominal surgery, several blood transfusions, and was on morphine for several days.  Even after coming off the major drugs I was in severe pain for several weeks.  Needless to say, nursing was not at the top of my list.  Although, he is only 6mn old he too is healthy.

I was given all the formula I could carry both times and was glad to have it!  I'd have taken more if they'd have given it!  I say God Bless 'Em! We need help when we're new mothers not someone berating us for our choices--it's hard enough w/out all the criticism regarding your choice of feeding!

I had twins 7 weeks ago and was given so much formula it was kind of comical.  I got 4 diaper bags worth from Enfamil and Similac.  I was totally committed to breastfeeding, but have to admit that the formula samples are already used up.  It took 4-5 days for my milk to come in (the twins came home with me after only 3 days in the hospital) and I was exhausted that first week, so the formula really came in handy.  We don't use it now, but totally would if it was in the house!

The nurses in the hospital were more than helpful and gave me loads of breastfeeding advice.  I was at NY Downtown Hospital and apparently breastfeeding isn't the most popular choice in Chinatown.  The nurses made sure that I was comfortable pumping and gave me the number of a lactation consultant and set up an appointment with her the day after I came home.  

All in all, I really appreciated having the formula.  Before I gave birth to the twins, I swore I would never use formula, but I am wiser now.  It is not that big of a deal.

Get over yourself, if you don't want them throw them away or give the to someone who is using formula.

Boy, would the formula companies love to read all these comments!

Why is that when families are told 'breast is best' they hear 'if you don't breastfeed you are a bad mother'???

Is anyone really going to disagree that breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby???  That's just a fact.  

BUT that doesn't mean if you choose not to breastfeed that you are a bad mother.  

We all make choices in our healthcare and they are very complex and personal.

However, the real issue with free formula-packs, is that because there are SO many myths surrounding breastfeeding, moms often WANT to breastfeed but don't have adequate information and support.

The comments in this blog are a perfect example, they are laiden with misinformtation and myth . . .

- nipple confusion is NOT a myth and bottles given too early can lead to some babies refusing the breast (a real problem if the mom thought 'one bottle won't hurt, and then is horrified with baby won't breastfeed'.)

- It's NORMAL for milk to take a few days to come in

- Yes, babies will ALWAYS take a bottle of formula, they are programmed to suck.  Any yes, they will also sleep after a bottle of formula because it's difficult for the body to digest.

- Giving a little bit of formula CAN cause problems, like allergies and decreasing moms milk supply.  (And remember, if you formula fed and your baby is healthy that doesn't mean formula comes without risks)

Another piece of misinformation, this is NOT an issue of hospitals having formula to give to patients in situations where they choose to give it or there is a medical reason.  Hospitals will always have formula, but they should PURCHASE it just like any other medication.  Formula really is a medication and the risks and benefits should be weighed.  

This is truly an issue about formula companies marketing to women who are in the most tender of situations.  They just had a baby after all!!  Hormones are raging, milk is not fully in, confidence is at an all time low!

And the message is . . . sure, give breastfeeding a shot but at the first sign of problems here is what you should do, give formula.

Hospital should be saying, if you choose to breastfeed here are the resources to make sure you are supported.

The World Health Organization developed a Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative to help hospitals develop policies to support breastfeeding, including ending free formula samples.  Endless research has shown formula marketing DOES affect initiation and duration of breastfeeding.  Why wouldn't we want to follow the recommendations of the WHO?

Again, this post was not intended to make any moms who choose formula feel as if they did not care about their children.  I wish we could stop talking about that!!

The point of my post is to point out that because there are so many misconceptions about breastfeeding, free formula packs really do affect the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration in this country.

I also recieved the sample packs for both of my daughters.  Daughter #1 was breast/formula until 6 months and then formula only.  Daughter #2 is breast only, with the exception of (like many others!) a few bottles until my milk came in.  Still nursing at 10 months of age and going strong.  We had no issues with nipple confusion.  I fully believe that more women would continue breastfeeding, formula given at the hospital or not, if they had better education and support.  Even though I thought I knew what I was getting into before my first child, I had no idea the dedication and time BF'ing would take the first few weeks.  By the time we had my 2nd child, I was prepared and ready to take it on and attribute that knowledge, as well as support from family and La Leche League, for my success!

Good luck all moms!

We were asked in the hospital before our daughter was born if we were going to be breastfeeding or not. It was written all over my chart. If we wanted her to have a pacifier, we had to supply one ourselves and give the nurses permission to use it. We werent even using bottles in hospital, despite my lack of milk and ability to breastfeed. We ended up doing a lot of early feedings with a small tube and syringe on our finger. We were given alot of help.

When it was time to go home, we were given a goodie bag, but it was clearly marked for breastfeeding only, and contained many possible eccoutraments that one would need to be successful in that endeavor. extra storage bottles and baggies for freezing, stuff like that. Lots of literature.

I dont think we used much of it, but we were also able to obtain a hospital grade pump for rental, followed by a travel pump two months late, good because I ended up pumping exclusively after one month.

I realize that our situation was alot different than most of those who have commented, but I just wnated to show that there are some hospitals that are doing right by the breastfeeding moms. I had such a horrible time trying to breastfeed, that had we had the samples we might have used them. In the end the pumps are what saved us.

I'm in Canada and at the hospital where I gave birth to my son they have a policy of not offering formula if you have specified that you want to breastfeed. They aren't supposed to bring up the topic at all. To this day (15 months later) I'm mad at the nurse we had our second night who did bring it up after my husband asked whether perhaps our son was crying so much because he was hungry. Despite the fact that every other nurse had said he was feeding well and we were on the right track, she said he was probably hungry and not getting enough.

Anyway, my son ended up getting some formula that night because an exhausted, hormonal first-time Mom (at least this one) can't argue with an exhausted, concerned first-time Dad who thinks his precious baby is starving. I had read the books and knew that it takes time for milk to come in, that colostrum is a good thing, and that we were on track. Dad listened to the nurse, and Mom cried in frustration.

In the grand scheme of things, this was no big deal. We went on to exclusively breast feed for 10 months. But at the time it was very stressful for me to not be supported by the nurse and to be made to feel that my boobs weren't doing their job. And of course this doesn't end when you get home. Once Dad gets word from an "authority figure" that maybe there isn't enough milk, that pressure continues until the floodgates finally open.

So what is my point? Partly I wanted to point out that it isn't just about what Moms want and about a Mom being able to toss aside free samples if she doesn't want them. If Dad hasn't informed himself as well as Mom has, he could end up inadvertently discouraging breastfeeding by convincing Mom to supplement since it's there anyway. I agree that hospitals shouldn't be offering formula (either samples or for actual feedings) to parents that have said they want to breastfeed. If there are genuine problems, that is another story and nurses should be trained to recognize when intervention is necessary.

Is it a big deal if babies get some formula? No. Is it a big deal that some Moms are scared off of breastfeeding altogether because they don't get enough support right at the beginning? Yes.

Thank you, sparkyd. i live in Vancouver and had a similar experience. All the nurses helped us with breastfeeding, except for the one who "got us" tired and exhausted at 3 a.m., convincing us our girl was starving and to "give her a little formula."  In reality, she was doing fine and things were taking their natural course. When my midwife found out the next day, she tore a strip off the nurse.

My sister in law gave up on breastfeeding after one month, saying it didn't work for her. Duh. She started with formula in the hospital and kept using it at home, so guess what? Her breasts stopped producing milk. That's exactly what the formula companies have in mind when they push their product.

They sent me home with the formula bag even though I was already breastfeeding my daughter. I am really against the bags.

I had my child when I was only 19 years old. I did the best to educate myself on breastfeeding and find support, but it wasn't easy. My partner's mom was against and still is against my decision to breastfeed my now 20 month old. The first night home from the hospital I discovered I had a clogged milk duct; something I could have fixed in the hospital if they gave me a breast pump instead of a formula bag. My daughter at the same time was also not having a BM and seemed lethargic. My partner's first reaction was to call his mother who lived close by. Her gut instinct was that I wasn't producing enough milk even though I was leaking all over myself. She gave my daughter her first bottle of formula mixed with the few ounces of breastmilk I could pump from my clogged breast while I cried upstairs. Using formula from of course the formula bag. A few hours later we took my daughter to the emergency room because she was not responding or waking up. At the hospital she did react to a thermometer being stuck up her butt to check her temperature, had a BM on the scale and went back to being her normal self. I now believe her behavior was a reaction to getting her Hep B vaccine right before she left the hospital.

This started us down the path of never believing the milk I was producing was good enough, of carrying around bottles and formula, of pumping before I left the house because I was ashamed to breastfeed in public. Before I knew it my partner's mom was insisting on feeding my daughter formula instead of breastmilk when she watched her for us and would give my daughter a bottle without even asking me if it was ok. Our peditrican was trying to get us to give my daughter solid food early and tried to say she could not possibily get enough iron from me. Me making the milk my daughter needed just like nature intended.

I finally put my foot down, told my partner's mom to back off and got my milk supply back. Since then I have learned so much about the way our diet, our very first decision about our child's food really effects them for the rest of their lives. Breast milk is so extremely important I cannot list all of the benefits here. However I can list a few of the risks of not breastfeeding. An increased risk of SIDs, childhood luekemia, general illiness. Among women who choose to breastfeed there is a decreased risk of breast cancer. The formula companies know these benefits. Which is why they label their formula bags as "Breastfeeding Support" bags. Even though they encourage women to formula feed their child.

I think it's more important for breastfed babies to get the samples, at least it was for us.  My wife was breastfeeding and everything was going fine after a slightly bumpy start, with plenty of support and education etc.  But then she had to go away for the weekend and I was left with the pumped supply in the freezer.  It should have been enough, but you can't always choose how much a baby is going to eat and the bags aren't all the same size (and no, I wasn't just an overfeeding Dad).  So I watched my supply get down to the last couple of bags the day my wife was to return and then I remembered I had the formula samples.  I whipped up an extra bottle and it got us through.  

My point being, that its always good to have a Plan B because you never know what will happen.  Mom could be on a trip or she could get snowed in or just have a flat tire.  The freezer could break or the power could go out.  Families that use powdered formula just need running water and typically have an ample supply of cans on hand.  Breastfeeding families never get in the habit of buying formula and so they never have it when they need it unless they have a couple of samples lying around.

The problems of people like Sparkyd and Dhsredhead are caused by ignorance and resistance around breastfeeding, not the existence of free samples.

AS a mother of not one, but two preemies, I think some perspective is missing from many of these messages.

My first son was 4 weeks early and on respirators. I Pumped as much as every 2 hours and was on a medication to encourage milke called Reglan. My lactation specialists STRONGLY encouraged it and my OB gave me a lecture against it with no other suggestions. I was driving two counties away twice a day and pumping 24 hours a day with minimal results. My NICU Nurses would inform me at every visit or phone call that my son was 1 bottle away from having no food constantly. I pumped by his isolette, and often. Believe me when I say I worked for every tiny ounce. In the end, the medicine started giving me migraines and other side effects. When I stopped it, the milk went with it. A kind nurse explained to me that Preemie formula was just fine, and that the drops I was able to give my son were precious and helpful. He got the antibodies he needed to make it just fine. My Pediatrician told me it would likely mean the difference of ONE extra cold a year his first 2 years! As it happened, he didn't GET a cold til he was 2!!! He did have some allergies that he outgrew in 3 months, colic and fussiness, which resulted in Expensive formulas...but was happily on solid foods within 4 months and amazing.

My second preemie was 11 weeks early and much smaller. I made up my mind not to be as pressured by the process, but knew I needed to give him SOMETHING. Taking that pressure off, gave him enough milk for several meals a day during his 2 month stay in the NICU. BUT, we also had a number of family crisis' during that time as well, with me running constantly to 2 hospitals and tending my then 3.5 yr old. I again chose to take the reglan and risked the migraines.

In the end, there still was not enough to sustain full feeds for my son. I was MORE than grateful for the formula, and knew that it would be another long road with Formula allergies, expensive substitutes and so on. My 2nd son is now 8 months (5 months adjusted), back on normal formula and steadily being introduced to solid foods. He's 16.5 lbs and already trying to crawl!

Not only was I grateful for the samples, but even more relieved when the Nurses signed me up for programs offering free cases of formula. I get really disgusted and exhausted of hearing how something is wrong with me, if I can't breast feed, or that I didn't make the solid choice for my children's health. I truly did my best, and as a result I have 2 healthy children already intelligent and exceeding the normal guidelines of growth and weight, even as preemies!

Nurses and doctors are expected to make sure your children are HEALTHY and fed well. You really have to let up on them for feeding your children the only way they can, in the event that you aren't up to the task yet. And those "evil" formula companies that send home samples, are ALSO paying for vital equipment and supplies for babies in NICU's like the one my sons stayed in, so if they want to advertise, so be it.

Last December, I received a sample leaving the hospital (along with a wonderful blanket, book, and other goodies). I also got samples in the mail. I never used the samples, however I have introduced my son to formula (a different brand). While I want to breastfeed my son for one year (3 months to go!), I also know that emergencies can happen. It's important for me to know that if anything happened to me that my son would be able to take a bottle and get the nourishment he needs through formula. He's never had any difficulty or confusion between "au natural" and formula, and I rest easier knowing that he'll be okay if anything happens to me.

My bags went to Goodwill so a mom who couldn't afford formula could have it.  I didn't want the temptation of taking the easy way out of BFing when it got tough ... as it invariably will.   It was the right choice for me.

I don't get it. If you don't want the formula, be glad for your own good fortune at breastfeeding happily, and just throw the stuff away. Why would you be offended? I was prescribed lots of drugs as I left the hospital, all manufactured by "big pharmaceutical". I didn't take the iron pills, the pain medication, or even the weird spray stuff. But I'm not offended -- I recognize my ability to make my own decision and just throw it away.

If you really want to make sure other new mothers have the "support" or "information" they need, volunteer for LLL or something. Don't legislate a goody bag that some people are actually grateful for.