AP: Romney overhauls panel that backed ban on baby formula giveaways

[Eugene]

Romney overhauls panel that backed ban on baby formula giveaways

May 20, 2006

BOSTON --Gov. Mitt Romney has removed members of the state's Public Health Council
who wanted to ban the giving away of infant formula at maternity wards, according
to a published report Saturday.

The council had approved what was believed to have been a first-in-the-nation ban
on the distribution of gift diaper bags with brand name baby formula and other
goodies to new mothers.

It was championed by advocates as a way to promote breast-feeding but before the ban
took effect, Romney in February asked the panel to reverse its earlier ruling.
The Republican governor said mothers shouldn't be denied the option of formula.

The nine-member council reversed its ruling, but ordered the Department of Public
Health to spend three months reviewing the case. The report is due on Tuesday.

<snip>

Full article: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/05/20/romney_overhauls_panel_that_backed_ban_on_baby_formula_giveaways

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Funny my sister did NOT get these goodies

when either of my nephews was born... I wonder if California even has this

[WePurrsevere]

2. My daughter breast-feeds & as per the Pediatrician supplements w/ formula

because almost 2 months ago her 1st child (a girl) was born a bit over a month early, a bit under 5 pounds and supplementing with a bit of formula helps with weight gain (she's doing extremely well btw). The samples of formula and diaper gift bag were a huge blessing that helped get her started as she awaited processing and approval by WIC and until she had her baby shower (which was thankfully the weekend after the baby was born). B-)

[Horse with no Name]

3. These bags are a Godsend to all new moms

whether or not they use formula because at first, almost every single mother who breastfeeds is concerned that her baby is getting enough to eat--and while most of the time, it is, there is always that small percentage of babies who are not.
When you send this bag home, it gives the mom a chance to have a small piece of mind, but it also keeps that small percentage of babies well and safe.

[WePurrsevere]

4. Agreed. I only meant to relay one med reason formula may be needed. When..

my girls were born in the late '70's/early '80s I know how much I appreciated those "goodie bags" and samples. B-)