Formula companies may be harming newborns by administering free products

Global milk formula brands are being penalized for their violations of international codes of practice. Allegedly, companies including Nestle, Danone, Mead Johnson, Abbott, Frisco and Enfamil are promoting their formulas by administering free products, including gifts and samples.

The Guardian reported that formula companies are promoting their product in order to dissuade mothers from breastfeeding.

A statistic given by The Sydney Morning Herald, revealed that about 95 babies could be saved every hour, or 850,000 a year, if new mothers would immediately start breastfeeding after their child is born.

Colostrum, a mother’s first milk, should be given to a newborn within an hour of birth in order to jump-start the baby’s immune system.

“While there is a recognized need for some infants to be formula-fed in certain cases, there has long been concern that the marketing and promotion activities of some manufacturers has led to breast milk substitutes being used unnecessarily and improperly, ultimately putting children at risk,” as stated in a report from Superfood for Babies.