Filipino mothers nurse their babies at the Fabella Memorial Hospital, a government-run children's hospital in Manila, Philippines (2008). This baby-friendly hospital does not allow the artificial feeding of newborns, but instead encourages and equips mothers with the tools for successful breastfeeding. For the infrequent mother/baby pair who have difficulties breastfeeding, immediate and unlimited access to the hospitals human milk bank is granted. Infant health outcomes for babies born at this hospital are monumentally better than for those born at non-baby-friendly locations.
This UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) documentary explores the impact that the artificial feeding of babies (specifically through formula companies marketing tactics) have on the health and wellbeing of children in impoverished nations. As a result of formula propaganda, fewer mothers naturally feed their children, causing in increase in illness, death, and economic detriment. Artificial feeding of human babies is truly a formula for disaster and is especially evident in undeveloped countries. Human health experts call this tragedy a health emergency.
We highly encourage you to watch this film - even if you've never given much thought to the way that formula marketing impacts the health of our world's children and the future of our nations.
For further research into this subject (including the ways that artificial baby feeding impacts the health and wellbeing of American children and society) see Gabrielle Palmer's excellent book, The Politics of Breastfeeding: When Breasts are Bad for Business, as well as Milk, Money and Madness: The Culture and Politics of Breastfeeding by Naomi Baumslag and Dia L. Michels. In addition to the UNICEF production below, Formula Fed American also looks to be a promising film.
I love the last video with the 'milk task force' I would like to be part of that! - imagine a breastfeeding task force.
ReplyDeleteWow now I understand why people boycott Nestle! I can't believe how aggresive the advertising is in these poor countries, it is just shocking!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this ... So many people are curious as to why we boycott Nestle. This video tells the tale.
ReplyDeletewhat an illustrative, informative post! i just blogged yesterday about my decision to boycott nestle, and i will update my post with a link here. thanks!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the people in the Philippines just figured out that you in fact, can't believe everything you see on TV.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that these companies push their products to make $ at the expenses of the babies health. what a SHAME these companies push these woman to reach for formula when they don't even have the money or CLEAN water to prepare it.
ReplyDeleteImmoral is the word that comes to mind. I am now understanding the Nestle boycott and am joining in.
And at the end of the comments is a Google Ad for "organic formula." Grrr... If you want to see the screenshot, it's here: http://womantowomancbe.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/peacefulparenting-screenshot.jpg
ReplyDeleteI think you can block ads you don't like?
-Kathy
WomantoWomanCBE ~ Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We do not advocate for any marketing of artificial baby feeding. We need the URL of any advertisement website that needs to be blocked from our site. If you happen to see this ad (or any similar ad) please send us the URL that the ad is linked to so it can be removed from Google's advertisements. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, let me say that my 6 year old walked in while I was watching that video and asked what they were feeding those babies. When I explained the concept of formula to her, she was horrified that people would feed their babies that stuff if they didn't have to. She has only ever seen me breastfeed her three sisters, and knows that I plan to breastfeed the baby on the way. It lead to a good discussion with her though and a conversation on how as moms we have to do what's right for our babies.
ReplyDeleteI recommend all to read "The Politics Of Breastfeeding"
ReplyDeleteAs someone who didn't make enough breastmilk to feed my baby, I could only wish that there was affordable or free breastmilk for my baby.
ReplyDeleteOh, much love, momma. ((hug))
DeleteThere are now some great resources - Human Milk 4 Human Babies www.HM4HB.org and Eats on Feets www.EatsonFeets.org where you can get free human milk for your baby if it is needed.
If you have another, please ask around - at peaceful parenting or anywhere. There are lots of others who will help make sure things get off to a good start for you with your baby. :)