The practice of distributing industry-sponsored formula samples to new mothers in the hospital has been criticized by some organizations for its impact on breastfeeding. In 2007, a study found that only 14 percent of U.S. hospitals did not distribute formula sample packs.
In a new study, "Trends in U.S. Hospital Distribution of Industry Sponsored Infant Formula Sample Packs," in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics (published online Sept. 26), researchers conducted a new survey to determine if the trend has shifted.
Study authors contacted hospitals in the 10 states that distributed the fewest formula samples in the 2007 study, as well as hospitals in the 10 states that distributed the most samples, and asked if they distributed "formula company-sponsored diaper discharge bags" to new mothers. The follow-up study found that the number of sample-free hospitals increased to 28 percent.
The authors conclude that while most U.S. hospitals continue to distribute industry-sponsored formula sample packs, there is an increasing trend toward discontinuing these packs.
