The program was introduced in 2008 and the language major …
Advertisement
No more free formula at RI Hospitals
State is first in the nation to end this practice
Updated: Sunday, 27 Nov 2011, 5:29 AM EST
Published : Sunday, 27 Nov 2011, 5:29 AM EST
PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI/AP) - Rhode Island's birthing hospitals will no longer give new mothers free infant formula when they head home from the hospital.
This decision is part of efforts to encourage breastfeeding.
The state's hospitals ended the formula giveaways as of this fall. Rhode Island is the first state in the nation in which hospitals have ended this practice.
Health officials say studies link formula giveaways to decreased breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding has been shown to be healthier for both infants and mothers.
The Rhode Island Department of Health will hold an event Monday at the Statehouse to explain the end of formula giveaways. First Lady Stephanie Chafee, a nurse and wife of Governor Lincoln Chafee, will speak at this event.
Formula will still be available to mothers who experience difficulty breastfeeding.
Copyright WPRI 12
Ground rules for posting comments: No profanity or personal attacks. Please comment on the subject of the story itself. If you do not follow these rules, we will remove your post. Keep it civil, folks!
Our commenting section is powered by IntenseDebate. If you registered for an account but didn't receive a verification e-mail, check your spam folder or click here for more information. For additional technical help, click here.
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single PageAdvertisement
Advertisement