• Last updated 11/5/12 by Melanie Mayo

  By Peggy O'Mara                    In December 2005, thanks to the hard work of Marsha Walker and The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, the Massachusetts legislature became the first in the US to prohibit the distribution of formula sample bags in hospitals. However, then Governor Mitt Romney pressured the Public Health Council to rescind the ban.    The council successfully resisted his pressure until he fired and replaced three members just prior to a vote on the ban; in May 2006 it was rescinded. Less than two weeks later, Romney announced a $66... read more

• Last updated 9/10/12 by Peggy O'Mara

While there’s been a lot of consternation this year over the sometimes negative media coverage of breastfeeding, 2012 will be looked back on as the tipping point in breastfeeding advocacy. This year, for the first time, an advocacy group outside of the breastfeeding world took up the cause of formula marketing to new mothers in hospitals. For the first time, a US mayor and a state legislature created laws to encourage baby-friendly hospitals. It’s been a banner year for breastfeeding. As the first ever Breastfeeding Awareness Month draws to a close, let’s remember our... read more

• Last updated 11/3/12 by Peggy O'Mara

In April , Mayor Bloomberg announced that the New York City (NYC) Health Department would launch an initiative to encourage city hospitals to be baby friendly. In May, New York City Health Commissioner, Thomas Farley, announced the launch of the citywide initiative, “Latch On NYC.” at Harlem Hospital, the city’s first Baby Friendly Hospital. NYC is asking maternity hospitals to voluntarily limit the promotion of infant formula because it can interfere with breastfeeding. Eleven public hospitals and 12 private hospitals have signed on. NYC will... read more

• Last updated 11/3/12 by Peggy O'Mara

It’s an exciting time for breastfeeding advocacy. Last week, Public Citizen and the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) held a joint webinar, “Take Action to Keep Formula Marketing Out of Health Care Facilities,” and it was packed full of inspiration and practical tips for citizen action. Formula “discharge bags,” or formula sampling to new mothers in hospitals, has been used effectively for over 40 years; it implies an endorsement by the hospital. According to Marsha Walker of the USBC and Ban the Bags, those who receive these... read more