Australian Govt baby fomula ad ban

[black dahlia 83]

The federal government should ban the advertising of infant formula in a bid to improve breastfeeding rates, a Liberal-led inquiry has recommended.

The major parliamentary inquiry into breastfeeding found the current voluntary advertising code was not tough enough, and the government should adopt a code backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO code, according to the inquiry, "bans all advertising and promotion of products to the general public", and also stops free samples.

Australia was one of the early signatories to the international code, but in 1992 the government instead introduced its own voluntary code.

The local code does not stop supermarkets from promoting formula or ban other promotions such as the use of coupons.

And no penalties apply to companies that breach the code.

The committee said it received significant evidence of marketing in Australia that would discourage breastfeeding, such as the common practice of doctors becoming "surrogate marketers" after passing on free infant formula sample packs to mothers.

Breastfeeding advocates and consumers had also criticised the marketing of infant formula in Australia as a remedy for common infant behaviour, such as loose bowel motions, not sleeping and being hungry, the inquiry said.

The committee said the government should legislate or create a mandatory industry code of conduct under the Trade Practices Act to force manufacturers to follow the WHO guidelines.

"The committee considers it is time to make a decisive and clear statement of the importance of breastfeeding to the Australian community by implementing the full WHO code," the inquiry said.

"The committee recognises that the implementation of the WHO code is a significant action but believes that if the commonwealth government wants to achieve the goal of 80 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of their baby's life, the WHO code needs to be implemented in Australia."

The committee also recommended infant formula manufacturers be forced to label their products with a warning that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months.

Several inquiry participants gave evidence of infant foods being labelled as suitable for four to six months of age.

Studies have shown breastfeeding helps protect babies against gastrointestinal and respiratory tract diseases, and it potentially reduces asthma, allergies and childhood obesity.

While most Australian women start breastfeeding, about half give up within the first six months, and very few follow recommendations to give only breast milk for the first six months.

The inquiry found factors to blame included a lack of education about the benefits, misconceptions about formula, community attitudes, difficulties breastfeeding while working and an absence of maternity leave.

"There is a perception in the community that infant formula is as good as breast milk," the inquiry found.

"Many people believe that infant formula is nutritionally equal to breast milk, which was what the previous generation were told 30 years ago and what retailers and manufacturers continue to imply."

Meanwhile, the use of infant formula has been increasing - with figures showing twice as many infants under three months were given formula in 2001 compared to 1995.

The inquiry also recommended the government encourage breastfeeding by making breast-pumps and other lactation aids GST-free.

You wouldn't believe how angry this made me. I realise they're not in effect banning formula. But they will be giving women who for one reason or another unable to breastfeed a complex because the government reckons that they are not doing the right thing by their child.

I am sick and tired of government trying to tell us how to live our lives and raise our children.

YES breast is best, but.... a lot of women are just unable to breast feed long term or at all. If we cant breastfeed what will we do? cows milk? water?

Puhlease these laws are made up by men who will never go through the guilt of not being able to feed they're child through medical and even mental conditions. Its just plain irresponsible. :angry2:

[glorybebe]

The federal government should ban the advertising of infant formula in a bid to improve breastfeeding rates, a Liberal-led inquiry has recommended.

The major parliamentary inquiry into breastfeeding found the current voluntary advertising code was not tough enough, and the government should adopt a code backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO code, according to the inquiry, "bans all advertising and promotion of products to the general public", and also stops free samples.

Australia was one of the early signatories to the international code, but in 1992 the government instead introduced its own voluntary code.

The local code does not stop supermarkets from promoting formula or ban other promotions such as the use of coupons.

And no penalties apply to companies that breach the code.

The committee said it received significant evidence of marketing in Australia that would discourage breastfeeding, such as the common practice of doctors becoming "surrogate marketers" after passing on free infant formula sample packs to mothers.

Breastfeeding advocates and consumers had also criticised the marketing of infant formula in Australia as a remedy for common infant behaviour, such as loose bowel motions, not sleeping and being hungry, the inquiry said.

The committee said the government should legislate or create a mandatory industry code of conduct under the Trade Practices Act to force manufacturers to follow the WHO guidelines.

"The committee considers it is time to make a decisive and clear statement of the importance of breastfeeding to the Australian community by implementing the full WHO code," the inquiry said.

"The committee recognises that the implementation of the WHO code is a significant action but believes that if the commonwealth government wants to achieve the goal of 80 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of their baby's life, the WHO code needs to be implemented in Australia."

The committee also recommended infant formula manufacturers be forced to label their products with a warning that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months.

Several inquiry participants gave evidence of infant foods being labelled as suitable for four to six months of age.

Studies have shown breastfeeding helps protect babies against gastrointestinal and respiratory tract diseases, and it potentially reduces asthma, allergies and childhood obesity.

While most Australian women start breastfeeding, about half give up within the first six months, and very few follow recommendations to give only breast milk for the first six months.

The inquiry found factors to blame included a lack of education about the benefits, misconceptions about formula, community attitudes, difficulties breastfeeding while working and an absence of maternity leave.

"There is a perception in the community that infant formula is as good as breast milk," the inquiry found.

"Many people believe that infant formula is nutritionally equal to breast milk, which was what the previous generation were told 30 years ago and what retailers and manufacturers continue to imply."

Meanwhile, the use of infant formula has been increasing - with figures showing twice as many infants under three months were given formula in 2001 compared to 1995.

The inquiry also recommended the government encourage breastfeeding by making breast-pumps and other lactation aids GST-free.

You wouldn't believe how angry this made me. I realise they're not in effect banning formula. But they will be giving women who for one reason or another unable to breastfeed a complex because the government reckons that they are not doing the right thing by their child.

I am sick and tired of government trying to tell us how to live our lives and raise our children.

YES breast is best, but.... a lot of women are just unable to breast feed long term or at all. If we cant breastfeed what will we do? cows milk? water?

Puhlease these laws are made up by men who will never go through the guilt of not being able to feed they're child through medical and even mental conditions. Its just plain irresponsible. :angry2:

If this happened in Canada, I would be extremely happy. There are too many women who are not thinking about their child's health. I know two women that said it made them feel funny so they quit breastfeeding. Maybe if they educated pregnant women more, they wouldn't have to resort to these extremes. I know there are women who cannot produce milk, as well with babies who are allergic to all milk, in these cases I am sure teh doctors will be making the proper calls and will be helping and guiding the mothers and fathers as they need.

[black dahlia 83]

I think that banning formula ad's is not the answer.

Like glorybabe said more education is needed, I I gave up breatsfeeding my firstborn after 2 months beacuse i found it extremely painfull.

With my second I was more determined and took a couple of classes. I found out I had been doing it wrong, lol.

I think governments instead of wasting money on legislation to ban advertising need to concentrate on education and help for new mothers. Without the guilt and extremism that you get from pro- breast advocates. Believe me these women and some cases men can be down right nasty in their attempts to get women to breast feed.

[Reincarnated]

.

Edited August 10, 2007 by Reincarnated

[glorybebe]

I think that banning formula ad's is not the answer.

Like glorybabe said more education is needed, I I gave up breatsfeeding my firstborn after 2 months beacuse i found it extremely painfull.

With my second I was more determined and took a couple of classes. I found out I had been doing it wrong, lol.

I think governments instead of wasting money on legislation to ban advertising need to concentrate on education and help for new mothers. Without the guilt and extremism that you get from pro- breast advocates. Believe me these women and some cases men can be down right nasty in their attempts to get women to breast feed.

It is a touchy subject for me, my ex told me that since his mother didn't breastfeed, she was one of the ones that said it made her feel "funny", that it wasn't as healthy as formula, and also if he couldn't do it, he didn't want me to do it since it was a bonding thing. I left shortly after all this, and now I find that I am very strong in my opinions.

[KyrusRose]

It is a touchy subject for me, my ex told me that since his mother didn't breastfeed, she was one of the ones that said it made her feel "funny", that it wasn't as healthy as formula, and also if he couldn't do it, he didn't want me to do it since it was a bonding thing. I left shortly after all this, and now I find that I am very strong in my opinions.

Wow... glad you left.

He doesn't sound like a very supportive guy to me. (<-- "play nice" comment. *doesn't stalk and kill*)

I couldn't breastfeed because of ovarian cancer and the hormonal imbalance involved with it, and my daughter was raised on formula.. don't really think this is going to effect her one way or another on a mental level.. I mean personally I don't remember if I was breastfed or not.. Don't think any kid would unless they where still doing it at 6 years old!

Taking away the ads is just wrong, I mean, a mother, going through 9 months of pregnancy and preparation is going to learn whatever she can on formula and breastmilk, most doctors give expecting mothers pamphlets and booklets, and answer questions. Why would a TV ad have as much weight as they claim? If it does.. then go the other way, give credits to companys that make breast pump ads, or even a government funded "Breast is best" ad on TV.. one of those "the more you know" type things they do on AIDs, Reading with your kids and Staying in school. Taking away the formula ads isn't going to help anyone at all.

Edited August 10, 2007 by KyrusRose

[girty1600]

If mothers cannot or will not breast feed for one reason or another then banning the ads is not going to change their minds.

[black dahlia 83]

True Girty.

I just object to the message behind it. I think that basically they are saying that the government doesnt approve of people formula feeding. ( I may be looking too much into it) so they dont want to advertise it.

Yes stopping advertising of formula wont really stop people formula feeding, I just object to the government deciding these choices for us.

Breast is best.. yes it is, and.....? I just dont think that formula feeding is that bad that it warrants limiting peoples knowledge of whats out there.

The other thing that didnt surprise me about this article is the first paragraph.

"The federal government should ban the advertising of infant formula in a bid to improve breastfeeding rates, a Liberal-led inquiry has recommended"

A liberal led inquiry... they are probably trying to make themselves look more family orientated ahead of the elections in 2 months time.

Edited August 10, 2007 by Black Dahlia 83

[princessarra]

I think it's personal choice......It's the womans body and if she does not want a baby feeding from it then it's her choice. Ive raised 5 kids on formula and only breast feed a short time and i don't see anything wrong with formula. I think it's exactly the same.

[swtp]

It is a touchy subject for me, my ex told me that since his mother didn't breastfeed, she was one of the ones that said it made her feel "funny", that it wasn't as healthy as formula, and also if he couldn't do it, he didn't want me to do it since it was a bonding thing. I left shortly after all this, and now I find that I am very strong in my opinions.

I agree more education and support is needed! And your Ex sure had some insecurity, jelousy and controle issues didn,t he! Good thing you got out of that!

Edited August 10, 2007 by swtp

[AztecInca]

While the government is simply attempting to act in the best interests of the child a ban seems rather over the top and would really be quite ineffective. Simply offering more information , support and education for new mothers and fathers would achieve far more.

[DSTM]

While the government is simply attempting to act in the best interests of the child a ban seems rather over the top and would really be quite ineffective. Simply offering more information , support and education for new mothers and fathers would achieve far more.

Absolutely agree 'AztecInca' I think to Government should concentrate more on running Country and Butt out of the Breast feeding issue.It's the Womans choice.Of course it's better if Baby is Breast fed, but that is not allways possible.Had to throw this one in.LOL.

[LogicalPiccolo]

I think it's personal choice......It's the womans body and if she does not want a baby feeding from it then it's her choice. Ive raised 5 kids on formula and only breast feed a short time and i don't see anything wrong with formula. I think it's exactly the same.

That's wonderful that you were able to fully raise 5 kids off of little if no breast milk healthily. Awesome for you

However, depending especially on the biological health of the mother, many babies really need the colostrum (spelling?). Your breastmilk carries antibodies that can be essential to a baby's immune system when protecting a weaker baby or a premie from sickness. If you breastfeed, it's easier to protect more sickness-prone babies without plausibly harmful effects of steroids or other medical drugs that would be put into an infants system without those antibodies. It's not completely accurate to say it's the same thing, because it really is not. Obviously there are many mothers out there who for many reasons cannot breastfeed, and no, this does NOT make them bad mothers. There are many innovative things being done with formula to help out little ones with their health and nourishment. But if you CAN breastfeed, you probably should.

But again, this probably comes right back down to what everyone else has been saying. More education. I realize I don't live in Australia so what I say matters about as much as what a talking skunk with hemmoroids...but I too agree that banning the advertising is a little much, and the money could probably go toward more contructive things concerning new mothers and their babies.

[BrucePrime]

While the government is simply attempting to act in the best interests of the child a ban seems rather over the top and would really be quite ineffective. Simply offering more information , support and education for new mothers and fathers would achieve far more.

The government also forgets that in some cases, the mother either cannot breastfeed, or it is better if she does not breastfeed. My son refused to be breastfed, and I know of at least one woman who did not produce enough milk to feed her child.

And as another poster said, this is a woman's body. If we are going to tell her she can have an abortion because it's her body, we can't turn around and force her to breastfeed.

[BrucePrime]

But again, this probably comes right back down to what everyone else has been saying. More education. I realize I don't live in Australia so what I say matters about as much as what a talking skunk with hemmoroids...but I too agree that banning the advertising is a little much, and the money could probably go toward more contructive things concerning new mothers and their babies.

NYC is considering a similar ban. As goes New York, so goes America.

[Mekorig]

I also think that baning the adas its too much, but all the medic comunity agrees that breatsfeeding its best. Yes, you have cases of women that can not breastfeed for one reason or another, but you have a lot of cases of women who dont do it because of ignorance or lazyness (yep, i have seen womens that do that for that reason). You can feed your children whit formula, but breatsfeeding benefits will show in the growing of the kids.

[questionmark]

I don't want to get into discussing the breast feeding because it is up to the mother to decide. But I applaud the decision of the Australian government because that way the 1970s Nestle campaign in developing countries cannot be repeated. There Nestle claimed that breast feeding was harmful and bottle feeding should be preferred.