General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Mayor Bloomberg pushing NYC hospitals to hide baby formula so more new moms will breast-feed [View all]Bluerthanblue
(13,669 posts)Mom's can request and receive formula- they don't have to have a medical reason.
The nurses are supposed to cite a medical reason to justify the formula that is used- but the mother doesn't have to cite any 'medical reason' for desiring to use formula.
When I had my first child, the nurses were not thrilled with those of us who had chosen to breast feed- for them it was often more work- babies fussing and needing to feed. The La-Leche League was a god send to me and several of my friends who were not following the established protocol. Having been on the flip side of this, I really think this is a good thing. Formula will be there should a woman decide that breastfeeding isn't for her, but encouraging her to give it a try isn't a terrible thing. It is actually a GOOD thing, because it is better for both the baby and mom. Making the decision for formula shouldn't be a "given" which for many MANY years it was.