It has long been proven that a mother’s judgement and decision to breastfeed can be affected by being given formula bags, containing samples of infant formula, by hospitals and physician’s offices. This gives them the message that you approve of them feeding their infant baby formula, instead of breastmilk, which is not evidenced based medicine!
Consider “banning the bag” at your facility by not accepting the sample kits from the formula reps OR any other item where formula is advertised, including prenatal books, pens, sticky notes, badge pulls, etc. Instead, provide your patients with information regarding breastfeeding and display posters of all cultures breastfeeding. This will go a long way to encourage and show your approval for your patients to feed their infants in the proper manner.
Remember, breast is best!