“Latch On NYC” Breast-Feeding Initiative: Is the Government Going too Far?

August 10, 2012 Lucy Britain

This week, the web has been exploding with fury concerning the “Latch On” breast-feeding initiative in New York City. What is “Latch On,” you ask? A “citywide initiative to support mothers who choose to breastfeed and limit practices that interfere with that choice.” So, what’s all the fuss about? Starting in September, 27 of NYC’s hospitals that have signed up for “Latch On NYC” will begin promoting breast-feeding rather than the use of formula to new mothers – or at least that’s how Bloomberg and the government are explaining it.

What is actually happening? Feministe writes, “Nurses will be expected to document a medical reason for every bottle a newborn receives, and mothers will get a breastfeeding lecture every time they ask for a bottle of formula.” Sounds a little different, right? What else is in store for new mothers after giving birth at one of these 27 NYC hospitals:

“The initiative will also discontinue the practice of hospitals distributing free infant formula at the time of discharge, prohibit the display of formula promotional materials in hospitals, and encourage greater enforcement of existing regulations prohibiting the use of formula for breast-feeding infants unless medically indicated,” ABC News reports.

So what exactly does this mean? If I have a baby later this year (not gonna happen) would I be forced to breast-feed my child? This question did come to mind as soon as I started reading reports about this. I’m not going to lie to you – I am VERY nervous about breast-feeding my child (when the time comes). Have you heard the horror stories? Bloody nipples, lactating constantly (even if your baby wants to eat or not) and let’s not forget gorging breasts. Sorry ladies, I don’t mean to scare you – this is just what I think about when it comes to breast-feeding.

Back to the initiative. Why are so many women up in arms about this? Maybe because there shouldn’t be any regulations regarding whether or not a woman should breast feed. Sure, inform us that it’s healthier, but there is a clear line between suggesting and forcing, and many women believe this “initiative” is crossing that line. How do you feel? Do you think “Latch on NYC” is helping women or do you think the government is going too far?

Watch the video below to see a report on “Latch On”:

Harper

Really? What is happening in the world? Why does he care what if a woman decides to breast feed or use formula? This is absolutely ridiculous. This new initiative is definitely limiting the resources available to new mothers and not helping them make the right choice for them. I am disgusted by this.
Lola

This is an incredibly controversial topic Lucy, and I’m so glad that you took time to write about it! Although I am not a mother, I know that motherhood comes with many decisions–beginning with conception and continuing through pregnancy, how you decide to birth your child and later how you decide to raise them. Whether or not you’d like to breasfeed is a choice that each and every mother needs to make. I think the initiative should focus on informing mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding rather than simply making the decision for them (which it sounds like they’re doing since they’re discontinuing to free formula distribution.)

It seems like a judgement is being made by requiring a “medical reason” for every time a woman chooses to feed their child with formula. But that’s just me.
Rosemary

I am a mother of a 4 year old and I am currently pregnant with my second baby. I am totally appalled that Bloomberg has the balls to actually try to “FORCE” women to breastfeed. Yes I understand the whole “Breast is Best” and blah blah blah…but guess what, their my boobs and my baby…and I’ll do what I very damn well feel like doing. Not to mention there are plenty of women that give birth and cannot physically breast feed and you are going to have some nurse lecture you on how you’re basically being a bad mother? Bloomberg needs to STFU & mind his business. Why doesn’t he worry about all the rapes and shootings & crime that is happening in this city? I cannot wait till he is out of office. When I give birth to my 2nd baby, I am going to ON PURPOSE ask for formula and just let one of those nurses or anyone try to lecture me…and it will be on! I hope that women that give birth aren’t and choose not too or can’t BF aren’t made to feel any less of a mom because of their choice.