Ban the Bottle Campaign

"Hospitals should market health and nothing else." That's the slogan of "Ban the Bags" proponents who are, by implication, arguing that infant formula is "unhealthy" and women are too easily influenced to make their own minds up. Question: Do you know any moms who decided against breastfeeding because they were given a free diaper bag containing formula samples?

In fact, a 2005 national poll of more than 1,000 moms confirms what those moms who have made the decision already know. The decision to breastfeed or bottle feed is personal, practical, and private. These "3 P's" are the reason that Moms Feeding Freedom was created!

Some other key findings of the poll:

• 85 % of moms understand "breastfeeding is healthier for the child."
• 77% of moms decide how they'll feed their babies before giving birth.
• 92% of moms say OK to doctors, hospitals and clinics providing free formula samples.

Question: Why do most moms choose not to breastfeed or discontinue breastfeeding?

The poll's findings also support common-sense. `

• 86% of moms cited medical reasons.
• 62% of moms said going back to work.
• 57% of moms cited problems with baby latching on.
• 52% of moms said their babies weren't getting enough food.

The issue of politicians and other organizations restricting information to moms on infant feeding choices has become a hot topic in the media. Read more in the New York Post and this Kaiser Network recap of a recent Wall Street Journal story.

Government agencies are getting into the "we know better than moms" act, too. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services demeaned women's ability to make their own feeding choices with some messages in their 2004 breastfeeding campaign. They even ran TV commercials with pregnant woman in a log rolling competition and riding a mechanical bull!