Perinatal nurses know that breastfeeding is the best method for feeding infants during the first year of life. Few professionals would argue against the belief that breastfeeding is best for infants. However, nurses must also respect women's right to choose the feeding method they feel is best. Although the discharge diaper bags designed for breastfeeding mothers usually contain formula samples and coupons, most also have handy reusable ice packs and sterile bottles for storing frozen breast milk during an outing with the baby or for use to store milk after pumping while at work. Much research has been done about this topic.
Some nurses feel that giving the gift packs constitutes an endorsement of the use of formula.
We don't think so. These are merely opportunities for mothers to examine a product and make an intelligent decision on their own. In our opinion. Nursing support is a key element in successful breastfeeding. If new mothers receive appropriate education and support during their hospitalizations, perhaps they will leave the hospital armed with the techniques and confidence to continue breastfeeding at home.