US hospitals violate WHO policy on the distribution of formula sample packs: results of a national survey.

The World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes, as well as most major medical authorities, opposes hospital-based distribution of free infant formula at discharge. The goal of this cross-sectional telephone survey of 3209 US maternity sites, conducted from 2006 to 2007, was to determine the extent of this practice. It was found that 91% of hospitals distributed formula sample packs, and a trend toward discontinuation of the practice was statistically significant (P < .

Accuracy of breastfeeding data on the Massachusetts birth certificate.

In 2003, the question, "Is the infant being breastfed at discharge?" was added to the US standard certificate of live birth. In Massachusetts, this was adapted to, "Are you breastfeeding or do you intend to?" In 2004-5, we compared the mother's answer to the birth certificate question in 2 hospitals, with her infant's feeding record. At Hospital A, 94.

From Maine to Mississippi: hospital distribution of formula sample packs along the Eastern Seaboard.

Objectives: To determine the proportion of hospitals distributing free infant formula sample packs in 21 eastern states and the District of Columbia, to investigate any regional trends or timelines associated with discontinuation of formula pack distribution, and to catalog in 2 states the take-home items given to new mothers in addition to, or instead of, formula sample packs.

Design: Data were collected between October 1, 2006, and March 31, 2007, over the telephone by research assistants using a prepared script. We determined whether hospitals distributed a "formula company-sponsored diaper discharge bag" to new mothers.