WakeMed, Wake County's largest hospital, will stop giving out formula samples and pacifiers, in an effort to encourage more mothers to breastfeed and win a "Baby Friendly" designation.
Critics have long complained that by giving out free formula samples and diaper bags provided by formula companies, hospitals discourage new mothers from breastfeeding.
By seeking to be the first Triangle hospital given the Baby Friendly designation from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, WakeMed is hoping to stand out from local rivals in the baby business, including Rex Healthcare.
Applying for the WHO designation is a long process that requires WakeMed to meet various education and training milestones. Hospital officials expect to submit an official application within two years, said spokeswoman Heather Monackey.
WakeMed's new, no-formula policy at its Raleigh and Cary hospitals takes effect Sunday, which is Mother's Day.
The hospitals will still provide formula when parents request it. Some new Moms find they need to supplement breastfeeding.
WakeMed also has adopted a 10-step policy for nurses and other staff to encourage breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has been tied to better infant health, and reductions in problems later in life such as asthma, diabetes and obesity.
A recent study by French researchers showed that breastfeeding had a lasting impact on children's metabolism. Read more about that study here.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or
Comments
UNC was the first actually
Sat, 05/07/2011 - 09:32 — trheelnurseI think it's great that WakeMed is moving in this direction. However, WakeMed is not the first hospital in the Triangle to aim for Baby Friendly designation. UNC Women's Hospital has been working on the Baby Friendly process for over two years now. They have been awarded the Baby Friendly Certificate of Intent, whereas WakeMed has not. UNC already does not give out formula bags, give pacifiers or formula to breastfed babies, etc. It has been a long road, and I'm glad WakeMed will be starting on this path.
Evidence, integrity, and personalized care
Thu, 05/05/2011 - 16:53 — tkhansenKudos to WakeMed for taking steps to implement a set of evidence-based practices proven to improve the health of moms and babies alike. I'd like to head off at the pass any sentiments expressed stating that this policy is not supportive of bottle-feeding moms. Make no mistake -- each mom is asked upon admission as to their intention to breast- or bottle-feed, and now it can be said that moms get differentiated care in support of THEIR own choice. Breastfeeding moms will be supported with practices proven to increase their ability to achieve their goals; bottle-feeding moms will have the same resources they have always had.
WakeMed's new policy not only follows evidence-based practice in caring for breastfeeding moms but also fully implements their own "no soliciting/no distribution of samples" policy that has been in place (with this one gaping hole) for years. I am glad to see this organization practice with such integrity, finally.
"Encouragement" to has turned to guilt giving
Wed, 05/04/2011 - 21:08 — OneHappyLadyAs someone who was unable to breastfeed I struggled with so much pressure of what I "ought to be" doing. There should not be so much shaming for those who don't or can't breastfeed. It's not the best choice for mom.
So many uses!
Wed, 05/04/2011 - 16:21 — IonlyTrustOmnivoresBreast are great! They are attractive, fun to play with, and produce a highly nutritious beverage for babies. Evolution is awesome.