Should the FDA label infant formula with a black box warning?

Question

There is movement to get the FDA add a black box warning to infant formula because of the obesity rates and basically all the other problems that prove that 'Breast is Best'.
My stand on the question: I'm pro-breastfeeding and I have no problem with giving these companies a taste of their own medicine. After all, for almost a century they have been telling breastfeeders that they are starving their children. But I feel that the users (those that choose formula over bfing without trying) of these products do not need to be shamed -they are just victims of all that brainwashing.

Just to clarify - I don't think any moms who use formula should be shamed just the companies that make it because of their past behavior. I have heard many nasty comment about those who choose to use it. I am completely sympathetic to those that can't but I do believe that most of them could have if they had the proper education and support.

Hey - a lot of great answers for and against the labels. Thanks for sharing your views on this issue. The problem with getting so many great answers is that I can't choose which is best. So, I'm putting it out to vote. Give all your beautiful babies a kiss!

Answer 1

not just warning labels but also take away all advertising! regulate the prices (no coupons no sales) and no free samples!

maybe mandatory breastfeeding awareness classes after having a hospital birth...

I'm a nutritionist, it drives me nuts to see people not taking care of there childrens diet, mixing extra powder in the bottles and adding solids before six months are things I see often. parents have all kinds of excuses on why its easier to feed there kids junkfood insted of healthy fruits vegetables and grains, here in MIchigan it shows... 60% of the 4 year-olds in my county are obese...

Answer 2

My son is a bottle baby, and he's not in the least bit overweight. I have two friends who have 3 kids a piece, all bottle babies and none of them are overweight. 3 of my nieces and 1 nephew were bottles babies and they're not overweight.

It's not formula that causes obesity. It's laziness. My husband's cousin was breastfed until he was a year old and he's overweight. It's video games, TV, and junk food vs baseball, basketball and fresh veggies not formula vs breastmilk.

I tried to breastfeed my son, and I had all the information and techniques. I knew exactly what to do, and so did all the lactation consultants that tried to help us. I pumped every 2 hours while my son was in the NICU and my body still didn't produce enough milk. I took the medications they prescribed me and I still didn't produce milk. My body completely stopped producing milk after about 3 weeks of pumping every 2 hours and only getting 10ml from each breast each time.

My son is on Similac Neosure Advance with Iron and he's thriving. He's the perfect weight and he's catching up to other kids his age.

I don't have any problems with them putting warnings on formula but most formula companies are PROMOTING breastfeeding. Every single can of Neosure says "Breastmilk is best but....." and so do the Enfamil samples that the hospital gave us.

I do know that breastmilk is best, as do 90% of people, but all that discouraging formula feeding is going to do is make moms who are unable to breastfeed, feel even worse. Most of us feel like **** when our supply dries up anyways.

Answer 3

Both of my boys were bottle fed because I have chronic eczema and so couldn't breast feed. My older son is prone to gaining extra weight, my younger is skinny as a rail. So, at least in my case, it would be hard to prove that formula fed babies gain too much weight.

I agree that breastfeeding is much healthier for a baby, but sometimes it's not an option for a mom.

As for black boxing formula, I have no problem with that, but I think it should focus on something other than the weight issue. Focus on the immunity a mother passes to her child through breastmilk...I think that would be more logical.

Answer 4

Did you miss this line "The warning does not affect any of the six companies regulated by the FDA that are approved to distribute infant formula in the U.S. They do not import ingredients from China, Oliver said. " so as long as you are buying your food in the US from a store.. you okay dear.. and for your information A LOT of the deregulation started in Clintons era.

Answer 5

There was nothing I could due to make my nipples come out. We tried everything so my question for you is why should I be forced to see a warning label on the formula that I have to feed my baby. Do I deserve to have such a horrible reminder everyday that my nipples are a failure and that I have failed my baby? I think that the Brest is the best if mom is healthy and able but for others we do not deserve that

Answer 6

I have threee children who were all bottle babies none of them are even close to obese. I don't see how giving your baby formula makes them obese. I do however have a cousin who has breastfed all of her 4 babies and three of them are obese. I am not pro-breast or pro - bottle, I think that decision should be up to every mother with out thinking that they may be hurting thier child! By the way none of my children have been sick or had ear infections or any of the stuff they tell you will happen if you don't brestfeed. I am also SO tired of people making mothers who choose formula feel bad for thier decision! It is ridiculous!!!

Answer 7

Certainly an information box saying use of this product will diminish your supply of breastmilk. And, that formula increases babies risk of death from SIDS, infection, cancer, meningitis etc and increases mothers risk of breast and ovarian cancer and rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis etc. We are warned about all the drugs available so why would formula be excluded? Very few mothers would choose formula with those risks plainly listed in large letters on the tin. And, advertising should be banned including all promotional wording on the tin.

Answer 8

I think this is a horrible idea. It would serve no purpose other than to make women who physically CAN'T breastfeed (such as myself) feel even worse for not being able to do what they were supposed to do. Also, not ALL formula fed babies end up with weight problems...that's ridiculous.

If they did add a disclaimer like that, what good would it do? Cigarettes have a warning on them, yet people continue to smoke.

Answer 9

no i do not think so because if it werent for formula my son would have starved i breastfed him for 6 weeks but he was just to big with an appitite that was bigger and i could not keep up with him by any means i had to breastfeed and empty both breasts and then supplement with formula so that he would be satisfied i think that breastfeeding is great as long as you can do it and your child be satisfied sure "breast is the best" but some women just do not care to do it and that is there opinion

Answer 10

I dont think so because there are some women that seriously can't nurse. And really, hiring another woman to nurse for you or buy milk from a milk bank isn't really with in most people's budget.

I think that the woman's OBGYN or Ped should educate the mother on what is best for the child due to whatever circumstance they are in.