If you’re a progressive, you believe that aborting a child is less dangerous than feeding it formula. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg holds this position, as he’s vowed to go after hospitals who offer formula and bottles to new mothers and the new mothers themselves who choose to formula feed.
Mayor Bloomberg has demanded that hospitals stop handing out baby formula to persuade more new mothers to breastfeed their babies.The New York City health department will monitor the number of formula bottles being given out and demand a medical reason for each one.From September 3, 27 out of 40 hospitals in the city have agreed to the terms of the Latch On initiative – which will also see them stop handing out free bags of formula and bottles.
Although mothers who want to bottle feed their babies will not be denied formula, it will be kept under lock and key similar to medications.
However any mother who requests formula will be given a lecture on why breastfeeding is better by hospital staff.
Will Bloomberg next ban breasts if they’re over 16 ounces?
That’s right ladies, a man old enough to be your father knows what’s better for your body and your situation than you do.
In Bloomberg’s world, formula is considered as dangerous as a prescription drug. He hides behind the excuse that his “Latch On New York” campaign is an initiative with the Department of Health, but if a hospital chooses to participate, it still restricts the mother’s choice, especially if every hospital in her area participates. The choice should rest with the mother, not the hospital, not the Department of Health, or with Michael Bloomberg
Typically upon the birth of a child a new mother discovers a swag bag of formula samples, etc. in her recovery room. I had one with each child; every mother in the hospital did. It’s a great way for companies to market to new moms, and it’s incredibly helpful for new moms, as well, as they test various brands to determine which is the best for their child. I discovered my favorite brand of diapers and pacifiers this way. It’s also helpful for financially struggling new moms, as the supplies generally given in the hospital swag bag generally last a couple of weeks, if not longer. That’s a great expense marked off the list.
As a former member of the Le Leche League, I think breastfeeding is great for the child but only if a mother is able to produce enough to feed her child without supplement. Not every mother is able to do this, and many women struggle with this emotionally — something Bloomberg seeks to compound by attempting to de-legitimize a perfectly fine alternatives for feeding a child. Some mothers may be able to nurse but for reasons that are their own business, choose not to do so. Bloomberg and his nanny-staters have no right to an audience with these new mothers who are adjusting to their expanded family and their responsibilities as caregivers. They do not belong in a new mothers’ recovery room and a new mother should not be subjected to the Bloomberg Boob Inquisition.
Whatever happened to “my body, my choice?” Where is NOW? Where are the feminists?
More importantly, who is going to curtail a demonstrably out-of-control Bloomberg?
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