IFC Statement on Pediatrics Study, “Trends in US Hospital Distribution of Industry-Sponsored Infant Formula Sample Packs”
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The International Formula Council (IFC)* is responding to the study in Pediatrics, “Trends in US Hospital Distribution of Industry-Sponsored Infant Formula Sample Packs” by Sadacharan et al.
This study was a survey of hospital’s distribution of infant formula sample packs and did not demonstrate any effect of infant formula sample packs on breastfeeding rates, which have continued to increase over the past decade. Another study, conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Infant Feeding Practices Survey II, published just three years ago, also examined hospital practices and receipt of a formula sample or coupon in a hospital gift pack and the authors concluded, “We did not find an association between not providing a formula sample or coupon in a hospital gift pack and increased breastfeeding duration.” 1
The IFC believes mothers should be trusted to make good choices for their babies according to their individual family circumstances. To choose wisely, mothers must have full information on the two safe and nutritious infant feeding methods, breastfeeding (the ideal) and infant formula (the only safe alternative recommended by health professionals for moms who cannot or choose not to breastfeed). Hospital discharge packs provide key educational materials, which may include an infant formula sample -- directing moms to the right type of formula and to proper use and storage instructions, if needed.
Approximately 80% of U.S. infants will be given formula at some point during their first year of life, according to data from the 2010 Abbott Nutrition Infant Feeding Survey. 2 Therefore, 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.
A 2009 review study in the UK found that common mistakes were made in the preparation of bottles by mothers who reported receiving little information on bottle-feeding from their healthcare professionals.3 The authors concluded that "inadequate information and support for mothers who decide to bottle-feed may put the health of their babies at risk. While it is important to promote breastfeeding, it is also necessary to ensure that the needs of bottle-feeding mothers are met."
Research shows there is a clear need as well as a strong desire from moms for hospital discharge bags containing infant feeding educational materials and formula samples. For additional background information click on the related file to the right.
References:
1. DiGirolamo AM, Grummer-Strawn LM, Fein SB. Effect of maternity-care practices on breastfeeding. Pediatrics 2008;122 Suppl 2:S43-9.
2. Infant Feeding Survey, Abbott Nutrition, Abbott Laboratories; 2010.
3. Lakshman R, Ogilvie D, Ong K. Mothers' experiences of bottle feeding: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies. Arch Dis Child 2009.
*The International Formula Council is an association of manufacturers and marketers of formulated nutrition products, e.g., infant formulas and adult nutritionals, whose members are based predominantly in North America. IFC members are: Abbott Nutrition; Mead Johnson Nutrition; Nestle Infant Nutrition; PBM Products, LLC, A Perrigo Company; and Pfizer Nutrition.