Boilermaker21 (US)

About 10 years ago, formula makers in the US would give free gifts (diaper bags, free formula, coupons for formula, free diapers, etc) to entice parents to formula feed. Studies were completed, and found that the free gift truly did effect a parent's decision on whether they would formula feed or breast feed. Since then, many hospitals have stopped giving out the "free gifts" in an effort to prevent the decision on how to feed their child from being influenced by the formula companies. Many hospitals also offer breast feeding classes months before a child is born to allow the mother to learn as much as possible about breast feeding so she can make an informed decision.

Mother breastfeeds her baby at the Simultaneous Public Breastfeeding event in Thessaloniki, Greece on Nov 2, 2014.[Photo/IC]