New formula may be no formula

If you're not planning to breastfeed your baby, you may need to buy formula and bring it to the hospital so that your newborn has something to eat.

There are volumes of research and clinical studies that prove that breastfeeding babies for at least six months is healthier for them than using formula. The World Health Organization (WHO) has ten steps all clinics and hospitals should use to encourage the practice (see insert in this page).

King Edward VII Memorial's Maternity Ward is still grappling with achieving those standards.

Christine Virgil, clinical director of Maternal/Child Services said the department is moving toward being fully compliant but one area is proving difficult.

WHO encourages breastfeeding and discourages formula feeding. It's the strong advice against formula feeding which Ms Virgil says is causing a problem.

It means KEMH would not provide formula for healthy babies whose mothers have chosen not to breastfeed. Ms Virgil said WHO argues that such parents should bring the formula to the hospital themselves.

"That is something we are still grappling with," she said. "How are we going to get out to the public that if they wish to bottle feed they need to bring the formula with them?"

A 2007 breastfeeding survey showed 94.7 percent of mothers left the Maternity Ward breastfeeding their babies the figures are some of the best in the developed world.

However the survey also showed less than one percent of mothers had their infants on an exclusive breast milk diet six months later.

By that time, almost all mothers who were still breastfeeding were also giving their babies other foods.

Government Senior Medical Officer Cheryl Peek Ball is compiling a set of breastfeeding guidelines with other health care professionals. She said Bermuda, like much of the developed world, has a strong culture of feeding babies formula.

"We are looking at how we can move to that area gently," said Ms Virgil. "There are some moms that are adamant that they are going to bottle feed, and there are others who are still on the fence. We are hoping to capture those ones that are on the fence to go to breastfeeding."

Body & Soul asked Ms Virgil if her department intended to comply with WHO's 'no formula' recommendation.

Nurses from areas where the ten steps have long been adopted had no qualms with complying, she said.

"Bermuda is looked at as being more sophisticated," she said. "I find that moms feel that if they've made up their minds that they are going to bottle feed, then the hospital should provide it."

Most women Body & Soul spoke with agreed that making such a change may be difficult for the hospital but it would be the best way to encourage breastfeeding.

"If they are serious about wanting women to breastfeed, that's what they have to do," said one.

Another said expectant mothers should be free to choose what they want to feed their infants, but agreed it made sense for the hospital to stop providing formula.

"We know the immune-boosting advantage of breast milk and this can help cut health care expenses in the future," said mother Nathelee Simons. "These babies are less likely to get sick and will need less visits to the doctor. I think the likely health expense far outweighs any inconvenience of breastfeeding."

WHO's standard calls for a written policy on breastfeeding to be in place. Ms Virgil said the policy is being worked on and plans are underway to provide lactation training to all nurses in the department. The training will help ensure that the information mothers receive is consistent.

"In the past, I would give you my slant, Lena (Ostroff, of La Leche League of Bermuda) would give you hers, the mom would get confused and the breastfeeding would maybe go to the wayside," said Ms Virgil.