A new set of state policy recommendations for lactation programs at Maryland hospitals will encourage hospitals to promote breast-feeding, rather than the use of infant formula, when possible.
State health officials plan to announce the new policy Tuesday morning at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville. Details of the state’s recommendations won’t be available until then, but the policy will establish a model for hospital lactation programs that resembles World Health Organization’s Baby-Friendly status program, according to a statement from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Baby-Friendly status designates hospitals that agree to policy changes that promote breast-feeding. That includes no longer accepting free formula from companies and giving samples out to mothers only if they request them.
The state will be asking hospitals to review their lactation policies and establish a plan for either adopting Maryland’s new recommendations or seeking Baby-Friendly status.
1 comment:
This is a ridiculous policy. I don't see a problem with preferring breastfeeding over formula but it is the obligation of the hospital to give all the options. If they choose not to give formula coupons is a business decision, withholding the information between breastfeeding and formula is criminal. Some women are unable to lactate, some babies can suck well enough to breastfeed, what are they to do? Both of my sons did both types and are quite healthy
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