Comments on: Should postdelivery freebies (discharge packs) at hospitals be stopped?

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:02:50 +0000

In principle, I agree that they should stop offering formula freebies to mothers who breastfeed. But, by the same token, yes, all it takes is discipline to not use it, and these samples can be put to good use being donated to women who can’t breastfeed.

At first, I likened it, mentally, to the whole “offering of drugs” to mothers’ who are trying to have a natural childbirth. But… you’re presumably not under physical and emotional duress when you’re making the choice to forego formula, so it’s a bit different.

If it’s that much of a temptation, donate the cans as soon as you get them. I’m keeping a few around just in the event of an emergency… who knows what could happen?

I vote for them taking formula out of the freebie packs and adding more diapers / coupons for breastfeeding moms. LOL Added financial incentive. (As if $1500 in the first year savings isn’t enough…)

By: Science-mom

Science-mom — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:05:35 +0000

Hi Lisa,
If you mean eating during pregnancy, this site has lots of into on it. You can check the following links
http://blogs.babiesonline.com/2008/01/14/essential-nutrients-during-pregnancy/
http://blogs.babiesonline.com/2008/01/22/vitamin-e-and-pregnancy/

or you can simply search using the keywords “pregnancy food” or “pregnancy eating”

All the best.

By: Bobbie

Bobbie — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:47:15 +0000

I think that if the mother breastfeeds in the hospital then there should be NO formula in the freebies bag from the hospital.I know that the mothers know it is there and choose to bottle feed instead so they can rest. Everyone knows that bottle fed babies sleep longer.

By: Maddie's Mama

Maddie's Mama — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:25:10 +0000

I personally loved all the freebies, and I exclusively breastfeed (my daughter is almost 7 months). If you are set on breast feeding, then the eighty cans of formula you get mailed to you (okay, so I am exaggerating a little - but not much) won’t bother you too much. What I did was give some to my babysitter and left some at the grandparent’s houses. I also pump, so she does not get breastmilk from me and then formula when I am not around. But it is good for emergencies - like when I got stuck somewhere and she was starving. If people are really turned off by the formula they recieve, I am sure there are people who have a hard time paying for formula that would take it.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:10:02 +0000

I do not think the freebies should be stopped. I received them as well and continued to breastfeed until my son started drinking whole milk. It is really a matter of self discipline. I gave my free milk to parents that needed it and could not breastfeed.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:02:15 +0000

Hi, I’m expecting my first child and since you already had yours I was wondering if you could help me on what exactly was your eating methods, because I just want to make sure I’m not eating too much of certain things.