Proposal to make formula available by prescription only...

Jenny - posted on 09/30/2010

Well I got something out of this discussion. I'm going to buy a can of formula tomorrow to throw in the foodbank bin.

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

I disagree, I think most people view prescriptions as riskier, carrying more side-effects and used for more than just everyday ailments. Point in fact, for a basic headache, are you saying that vicadin would be BETTER than tylenol? Yes, it would knock out your pain, but the health risks and side effects are much worse than tylenol carries with it, sometimes the risks DO in fact outweigh the benefits, but in a case like this, they really don't 95% of the time.

Chatty - posted on 09/30/2010

What about more strictly regulating the advertising of formula?

Kate CP - posted on 09/30/2010

Most people see things that are prescription only as being BETTER than over the counter alternatives.

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

Teresa, I don't expect to change anyone's mind, as I posted earlier tonight, I brought this topic up for controversy sake and for my own personal enjoyment. I couldn't care less how you actually feel about the issue, it's fun just to hash back and forth with intelligent people. And if you read my OP, yes, I do address emergency cases in the form of LC's who can get to your house at a moment's notice and supply you with your emergency formula AND the prescription. Since I had already covered that, I didn't feel I needed to reiterate myself...I was obviously wrong.
Kate, there are a LOT of posts I haven't touched on in case you haven't noticed, I don't have time to type up a response to every single post, but for your consideration. First off, if a mother is going to resort to milk and karo syrup out of laziness of not wanting to fill a prescription, her child should be taken away IMO. Again, I will refer back to my at home visits from LC's at any time, day or night, weekdays or weekend who can give you your prescription so you don't have to go to the doctor's office and wait with sick patients. And what is the difference between dragging your baby to walmart with nasty germs on shopping cart handles, and sick people to your left and right to grab formula off the shelf and running to the pharmacist to pick it up? You can call it in so you don't have to wait for it to be "filled". BTW, I have no problem pissing mom's off, I find MANY mothers far too stupid to be having children in the first place...such as your example of feeding cows milk and Karo syrup. I don't think it will make women WANT to breastfeed, that isn't the point, the point is to force support of breastfeeding women and to implement a change of mindset on how we view formula. Instead of viewing it as the "normal" food source for infants, it would be viewed as is...as a less satisfactory form of food, with breastfeeding taking back it's proper place as the "natural" food source intended by NATURE for infants.
I love your idea of community support, it should be implemented with no hesitation, and not just better education for nurses and LC"s, but for midwives, OB's, GP's, anything who may see a child or breastfeeding mother for medical reasons. I still think this would work MUCH better in conjunction with the proposal though. And again, if I was going to take away the option to feed children formula, I would have proposed a BAN on formula, that is not what I proposed. I don't feel the need to come up with a better idea, I have presented an idea that I think would work and I don't feel the need to improve it, (although, as with any proposal, there are improvements to be made before it could be passed...which we all know it never will!) Besides that, I did conceded, several times on certain areas of the proposal, what you are actually asking me to do, is to change my entire opinion on the matter simply because you don't like it, I have never asked anyone to do that.

Johnny - posted on 09/30/2010

Just to go back a page or 2 to the portion of the discussion about government paying for formula because they cover prescriptions. Where I live, there is no welfare benefit (or at least there wasn't a couple years ago - and I seriously doubt it's changed) for Moms who need formula. They get the same crappy benefits everyone else gets. My province shamefully has the worst child poverty rates in all of Canada, even though we are a relatively well-off province. Our government has done nothing to alleviate the situation in the past 20 years. Kids here are in serious trouble. Formula is a huge issue for our food bank, they are always asking for more and struggling to keep it on the shelves. In my local supermarket, there is a big sign on the Foodbank donation box asking for formula donations. But the one thing low-income parents here have is free pharmacare. Under a certain threshold, there are no monthly fees and no script fees. Given that our government is unlikely to do anything at all to help the plight of these families, making formula a prescription is one small way I can see to help the 30% of families in our province living below the poverty line to pay for it. I can totally see that this may not work elsewhere, but it really breaks my heart to see that moms here who can not breastfeed have to go without food themselves just to afford formula for their kids. I agree that it probably isn't a hurdle that anyone should have to jump through, but I am seeing this through the eyes of someone who used to go before the welfare tribunal on a weekly basis begging for more money to support families who could not afford their rent or to feed their kids. Nothing seems to get our government to help, our kids are suffering, their parents are suffering, and this would help them. Formula is extremely expensive, and it is an enormous burden for way too many families. I'd happily support a change to our welfare & family support system, but I know that it is actually less likely than formula by prescription in our political climate.

Heather - posted on 09/30/2010

People have offered alternative courses of action, if YOU'LL read. If you don't like them or don't think they're stong enough feel free to give a reason why. You've just said we're wrong and you're right. You haven't given any information or insight as to why education and availability of competent Lactation Consultants wouldn't be just as effective(if not more) as passing a really stupid and potentially harmful law.

And by the way, you're the one who brought up the rules of debate. Don't get pissy with us when you're the one who got off topic.

Kate CP - posted on 09/30/2010

You haven't even touched on what was pointed out earlier by me:
Women who don't think they need a doctor's note to get formula will simply forgo formula and breast feeding all together and feed their newborn babies milk and karo syrup. Making formula Rx only IS A VERY BAD IDEA. It will only serve to piss off moms and doctors and fill up waiting rooms with healthy babies who are exceptionally susceptible to infection. Your response was to just hand out Rx's for formula without evaluating each case by the doctor (or giving them a "quiz") which is basically just handing out formula only now you've added an extra step of having to fill the stupid prescription. So again, you've pissed off moms who don't want to have to go out of their way and wait around for insurance companies and pharmacies. How, exactly, do you think this will work? You think that by making something harder to get it's going to magically make women go "Gee, I guess cracked and bleeding nipples, mastitis, engorgement, and a fussy baby due to poor latch isn't so bad compared to having to get a prescription"? Its going to make women desperate to feed their babies and feel like gigantic failures for not breast feeding. This is a bad idea. You've charged me with coming up with a better idea and I have: community support. Show more women in movies and TV nursing in public. Make it a legally protected right to nurse a child in public. Give LCs and nurses better education on nursing and how to help a struggling mother. DON'T take away the only other option a woman has to feed her child.

Now I'm charging YOU with coming up with a better idea...cause your's sucks.

Teresa - posted on 09/30/2010

Also, if you go into a debate expecting to change someone's mind... you'll end up being quite disappointed. It MIGHT very well happen on occasion, but it's the exception... not the rule. :)

Teresa - posted on 09/30/2010

Did you address MY entirely legitimate real life scenario reason against having formula available only through prescription? Because w/out that emergency formula available in the middle of the night I WOULD have lost my mind and probably would've chosen to quit breastfeeding instead of continuing til my girls were 15 months. Being forced to get a prescription would have, for ME, had the complete opposite effect that the 'proposal' is trying to acheive.....

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

Heather, I realize you don't always have to offer a solution...my entire point...if you please read...was that it strengthens your argument and I expect people to present strong arguments.
Teresa, I never said I found any responses unacceptable, just weak.
I feel I am entirely entitled...when personally debating/interacting with people over multiple posts to ask them to please present a stronger argument if they really want to sway someone's opinion. I think I am entirely entitled to challenge someone to work harder and think harder about an issue...it is a debate after all. If I wasn't willing to take what I'm getting I would have locked the thread down, but my choice to challenge people to think a little harder, a little deeper is part of MY argument, my way of saying, your argument isn't good enough for me, give me something more. Completely fair and acceptable in a debate, online or not.
Again...back on topic anyone?

Teresa - posted on 09/30/2010

You can't post anything on a message board and then dictate the types of responses you find acceptable. If you choose to post on a message board... you have to be ready to take whatever you get. Took me a while to get used to that too, but it's just how it works. :)

Heather - posted on 09/30/2010

You can't expect a formal debate on an online site like this. A formal debate also includes specific rules and timed discussions. Yes, it's expected that both sides of the argument will offer alternative ways of thinking, but not neccessarily a solution. You don't always have to prove an alternate point, you just have to prove your opponent wrong. ;)

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

Jodi A...I wasn't referring to the definition of debate, I was referring to the "art" of debating. If you have ever taken part of an official debate (such as a debating team in high school or college) One of the key ways to strengthen your argument and potentially win is to offer up a different resolution. I can see my expectations are incredibly high and that I will have to make every post about 8 pages long to be sure I leave absolutely nothing of an explanation or expectation out...the easier way is to lower my expectations...and consider that done! I have participated in "real" debates with rules, guidelines and with a winner and loser, it was one of the required classes in my high school. On a topic such as this, where a controversial solution to a controversial topic is proposed, a key way to win over audience appeal is to offer an alternative solution that sides with your view on the matter, I am very sorry you didn't know that and I'm very sorry that I assumed everyone did. The definition of debate is rather vague, an argument between two views, does not tell us anything of the context of the argument or the expected context of the argument, hence the "art" of debating and not the definition of debating will sound like two very different things.
Perhaps we could get back on topic and stop debating the "rules" of a debate?

Charlie - posted on 09/30/2010

Im gonna borrow and take that to the nosey thread Jodi !

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

de·bate (d-bt)

v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates

v.intr.

1. To consider something; deliberate.

2. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.

3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See Synonyms at discuss.

4. Obsolete To fight or quarrel.

v.tr.

1. To deliberate on; consider.

2. To dispute or argue about.

3. To discuss or argue (a question, for example) formally.

4. Obsolete To fight or argue for or over.

n.

1. A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.

2. Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.

3. A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.

4. Obsolete Conflict; strife.



Nothing in that says anything about coming up with alternative solutions.



You asked for thoughts, we are debating opinions on the issue. You can't tell people how to respond to your question. You ask the question, you get what you get.



*edited to fix a couple of typos :)

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

It's been a very hectic day and I'm in less than my best mood (completely unrelated to this thread, which actually perks me up some!) BUT, I'm pissy and will keep my post short tonight for exactly that reason.
this is a DEBATING forum...correct? In fact...it's called DEBATING MUMS. Part of a debate is not just tearing down the opposing views side (admiral job on that btw...although I'm not swayed that something like this couldn't work.) but the most important part of a debate is coming up with an alternate solution. THAT is why I ask for suggestions...I didn't include it in the OP because I assumed that this might actually somewhat follow the lines of a real debate...I will certainly remember in future threads I post to make it a point to everyone that alternate suggestions, ideas or proposals are recommended for the sake of your argument. I apologize that my expectations were so high.
Also, while it really doesn't me bother me so much to be called a breast nazi, titti nazi (which is a new one btw), close minded blah blah blah, I've been called a lot worse for a lot less and I'm comfortable with myself; it does seem judgmental of anyone to be calling names and making a vague assumption of my entire personality over ONE topic...doesn't it? So, I will let the cat out of the bag...while I DO in fact think that this could work in one form or another...I'm really not at all passionate about it, I have no "strong" feelings about it, I brought it up for controversy sake (and that worked I would say! ;) ) and have defended BECAUSE I took a position on it and thus far have not met any strong arguments that have made me go "nope...would never work, worse thing in the world." or anything like that. I will keep checking in if it stays on the front page and address anything new tomorrow!
Good night ladies, I'm off to finish the housework :( and then to bed!

Rosie - posted on 09/30/2010

in the OP it asks our thought about this proposal. not whether or not we can come up with other solutions. but since you are claiming that's what we need now, we need support for breastfeeding!

we could train the nurses in the hospital better to not be such bitches, and be more considerate and helpful when showing new hormonal mothers how to breastfeed.

we could make it so ALL hospitals are required to give out information, BF kits, and have breastfeeding consultants come to your house and help you if you have any problems at home.



we could STOP coming up with BULLSHIT proposals like this one, which only seeks to alienate some mothers who are frazzled, may have PPD, or just plain don't want to breastfeed.



we could make it so breastfeeding is more practical for working mothers. i work retail. my work would laugh in my face if i told a customer to hold on...i gotta go drain my boobs for a half hour. customers would go effin crazy as well. if i didn't live in fear of alienating my workplace, it would've helped.

other support....well all the titties nazis out there need to shut-up, stop judging other people and their situations, and just be supportive of each others decisions. i find that these types of people always find a way to interject their feelings on almsot EVERY aspect of mothering. theres too many judgemental twats out there, who need to realize that what works for one family doesn't work for another. just because you think mothers should be martyrs and their worth is determined by how frazzled they are doesn't make it so. a little understanding on BOTH sides of this issue could go a long way i think.

Heather - posted on 09/30/2010

dude...I read to page 2 and then skipped to the end...lol. Competition in the market of formula is what makes companies strive to make better formula and make it as close to breast milk as possible. I would love to see educated and supportive LC's who work with whatever situation the mother is in. I had 3 people trying to tell me how to BF and everyone was telling me something different. My DD didn't latch properly and my nipples were so cracked and bloody it was pure agony to bf. She had thrush and my milk dried up from all the complications. I was so distraught over not being able to bf and I had LC's telling me that I was a failure bc I had to supplement my daughter with formula. Bitches...

Anyway, how nice that my husband could go to the store and get the formula that we had researched to be the best brand(as close to breast milk) so my daughter wouldn't starve. If the government was regulating formula here, no one would have a choice as to what formula was used or what was in it.

Chatty - posted on 09/30/2010

WOW! I missed A LOT since yesterday afternoon.

Amie - posted on 09/30/2010

I just wanted to add that I agree with Sharon and Jodi A. If our bodies filtered as well as claimed, there would not be the lists of what we should avoid while BFing. =/



Edit to add:



The WIC and welfare programs don't cover the entire cost for the entire month. What makes anyone think a script would? Even here, in my socialized province, no prescription is fully covered. Low income families still have to pay $2 per script. Which would be great for low income families but not for others. Like my husband and I. We chose not to get a prescription policy on our extended benefits program. So we pay full price. Added hassle for families like us without the savings.

Ashley=) - posted on 09/30/2010

I agree Krista i left 2 days after being emergency c-sectioned due to there nurses being right old bags to me.I look 16 so i got looks anyway but when i was b/f perfectly fine i was getting looks and no one came near me.When they saw i had a bottle beside me on the second day after 5days of no sleep..4 i was in before and the day after her birth..i got a bottle to get sleep.I had 3-4 coming over, giving all conflicting information and one said by the end of week you wont be b/f if you need to give a bottle..how lovely of her, great encouragement.She left and i sat crying for over an hour.I gave up but i did the right thing i feel.I wanted to be well, pain free and emotionally right to care for my kids.I think good supportive nurses are what is needed not nurses who want to put you down at a time were you have a 100 emotions going through you at once.

Krista - posted on 09/30/2010

The entire idea is regoddamndiculous. Requiring a prescription for FOOD? I mean, seriously?



If breastfeeding advocates want to encourage breastfeeding, this is NOT the way to go about it. All that this would result in would be a very nasty reputation for breastfeeding advocates as being dictatorial, ideological assholes.



You want to encourage breastfeeding? Stop fucking BULLYING women into it, and instead, train LCs to be compassionate and patient and flexible on things. The LCs I met were awful -- I have large breasts and had had an episiotomy, and they were still making me sit in a wooden rocking chair to nurse and hold my baby in the cross-cradle hold, because that's what THEY felt was best. It wasn't working, I was hormonal and crying, and they were no help at all.



It took my SISTER, who is not a trained LC, to point out that I'd probably have better success sitting on the soft bed and using the clutch hold. It's stuff like THAT that would help more mothers successfully breastfeed -- realizing that every woman is different and that one approach is not going to work for everybody. If the LCs had worked with me and had read up on other options, instead of just lazily plunking me in a chair, roughly manhandling my tit and telling me to "try harder" when I couldn't get a latch, then I would have probably felt a little better about the whole experience.



If we want to increase breastfeeding rates, we need to stop fucking BULLYING new mothers, who are already exhausted and hormonal.

Isobel - posted on 09/30/2010

I skipped a whole bunch of posts cause I just felt like I had to say this...then I'll go back to reading.



Jodi K...I don't know where you are that breastfeeding is not mainstream, but most of us live in areas where it is. There is a law in Canada that states that a BFing mom can not be asked to leave ANYWHERE for feeding her baby, there are signs up for "breastfeeding friendly" in almost every store front. The hospital is BFing boot camp, and keeps a LC around the maternity ward 24-7. It is the FF mothers who get looked at funny around these parts.



Perhaps instead of TELLING US what we should be doing...you should be ASKING US what works...because clearly you don't know.

C. - posted on 09/30/2010

Heck no! What you eat, drink, smoke, whatever.. Goes INTO your breastmilk. Your body does not filter it out. Biggest load..

Jodi - posted on 09/30/2010

So the body filters it out when it suits you, but you can pump in alcohol and cigarettes, sugar and caffeine, and all of a sudden your body doesn't filter it out? I don't believe the body filters out all the bad crap. What about all those foods they recommend you avoid when you breastfeed? Either it filters it or it doesn't.

Sharon - posted on 09/30/2010

Body filters out is bullshit. They said eggs were good for you. Then they said eggs would kill you. Then they said you must use sunscreen, then they said higher zin oxide would give you cancer, why is it if you are AIDS positive you can't BF your child but if you have herpes or the common cold its ok? One these days "they said" will take back their words about your tits acting like an aquarium filter too.

C. - posted on 09/30/2010

I BF for 2 weeks, that's all I could do.

I think it's ridiculous to make it available by prescription only. There are some mothers who just cannot BF. What if the doctor doesn't see her reason as good enough? Nobody should be forced to BF. Yes, it is better for the baby- we all know that. BUT, that's like telling someone how to raise their child. If they want to or have to FF, they should be able to just walk into a store, WITHOUT a prescription, and buy a can or bottle of formula off the shelf. I do think that extensive education about the benefits of BFing would help mothers make better decisions about how they feed their baby.. But you cannot MAKE someone BF.

Dana - posted on 09/30/2010

I agree, Sara, it's probably the most ridiculous suggestion ever in terms of FF or BF. I think that anyone who supports this hasn't truly thought it through.

Sara - posted on 09/30/2010

The bottom line to all of this is the government cannot dictate how you chose feed your child. While times change and things go in and out of fashion and/or social acceptance (like formula vs. bf-ing in the 50's, 60's and 70's), you cannot pass laws that limit people's choices based on what a small percentage feel is socially acceptable. I mean, put the shoe on the other foot. What if, back in the day, breastfeeding was restricted? What if you were forced to use formula? How would that make you feel? Pretty shitty, I would assume.



As a mother who wanted to breastfeed but couldn't, I see these kinds of proposals and narrowminded, rude and sanctimonious. No one has the right to tell me what is right for my child and my family. I have only ever fed my child out of love. Feeding her formula was safe, it kept her alive, and she is a happy and healthy 2 year old now.

Dana - posted on 09/30/2010

Eh, that argument is moot since your body filters it out and only offers proper nutrition to your child.

Sharon - posted on 09/30/2010

If their argument is" ideal & natural nutrition" then the should ban twinkies, vegemite, genetically altered fruits & veggies, hormone injected beef, chocolate...

After all ... breastfeeding moms eat that shit& in turn feed it to titty leaches. Heaven forbid. Fucking wankers

Dana - posted on 09/30/2010

I just scanned through most of the posts but, wanted to point out that welfare and WIC do not cover the whole cost of formula. Which is why we hear on the news every so often that some baby came into a hospital malnourished.

Ashley=) - posted on 09/30/2010

Good it is a terrible idea..who would even think about doing that..as i have said before i will never paint all b/f mothers with the same brush..as i know personally there not all the same.Some can see past there own nose and understand not all mothers are the same and respect that.:-)

Charlie - posted on 09/30/2010

I actually posted this on a pro breastfeeding page to see what their opinion was and EVERYONE thought it was a terrible idea !!

Nikki - posted on 09/30/2010

Wow, where have I been, this is entertaining! Jodi A and Amie, I might have just fallen in love with you both a little! Great arguments, agree with everything you both said.

Ashley=) - posted on 09/30/2010

What a crock of sh**..I'm sorry but would people just pull there head out of there ass and get over it.We dont need to ask a doctor for food to feed our children..many dont even want to entertain the thoughts of b/f so allow them there right to walk into a store and buy there own baby its food for god sake.This topic is annoying me can you tell? lol:-)

Sarah - posted on 09/30/2010

If you lived in Wales or Scotland, having Formula on prescription would be great because they get their prescriptions free!!!!

It's a silly idea. Yes, breast is best, I think most people would know that by now! Formula isn't poison though, it's not some terrible awful thing to feed your child.
I couldn't care less whether you breast or formula feed, it's not that important in the great scheme of things.

Lindsay - posted on 09/29/2010

Having formula readily available is not a problem so there's no need to fix it. Breast may be best but formula is not too shabby. I'd challenge anyone to line up a group of kindergarten students and pick out which is a result of formula and which is a result of bf. You can't....

Amie - posted on 09/29/2010

That's not just for parents on welfare either. I'm trying to remember what the program is called but it's for all families who need it who fall within the requirements. It's not based solely on income but family status, where you live (cost of living) etc.

Amie - posted on 09/29/2010

No Carol but our welfare system does give more money to FF feeding moms. BFing moms do get more as well but not as much. It's like $40 more a month for "fresh veggies and fruit" a month.

At least here where I am that is how it's run.

And yes Jodi, that is the entire problem. Doctor prescriptions should NOT be required to get formula. One more road block and added work that is NOT needed. Try implementing the things I've suggested, from my own experiences and work from there.

You attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. More women are apt to listen if it is presented in a kind manner than if it shoved down their throat.

Johnny - posted on 09/29/2010

Well Kate, like many of the people here on COM on the world wide web, I do not live in the US. So here in Canada, we do not have WIC. As I said, "here" where I live, there is currently no help covering the costs of formula and it can be quite overwhelming for some families. Our foodbanks struggle to keep up with the demand. If it was by prescription, it would be covered. I do recognize that this could make sudden, last minute needs a bit hard to accommodate, but I am sure that there is some way to get around this.

Jodi - posted on 09/29/2010

Yes Amie...I don't know of any prescriptions you can get without a doctor's permission...

'Night All!

Sharon - posted on 09/29/2010

Omg now we are supposed to ask doctors for permission for food???

I didn't see this much bullshit when I was at the rodeo.

Amie - posted on 09/29/2010

All of your variations require a doctor's permission.

Jodi - posted on 09/29/2010

No need to physically harm yourself...it is after all only a hypothetical situation. If you can't afford a doctor...it would probably be better to hold off on having children until you can...what if something happens to them and a mother doesn't bring them in to the doctor because they can't foot the bill? But that's a debate for another time. This could bring into play the government healthcare option for moms who can't afford doctors visits or prescriptions...it would be covered! Obviously the plan is not perfect...it is after all...once again...only hypothetical. But, there is government assistance nationwide to help with all sorts of things, perhaps...since WIC can already give out vouchers for free formula anyways...THEY could be filling the prescriptions. It's just an option. Again...there's a million ways something CAN'T be done...oddly...I'm find possible, feasible ways that it CAN be done. So far...the only legitimate argument I see...but don't agree with...is a parent's right. I think babies rights trump that and I've put forth several variations on how to make it super easy to get formula...and have it be paid for to boot.

On a side note...I am really enjoying this, it's nice to have an intelligent "conversation" that doesn't include the words potty or poop...even if it is an "argument". :)



My daughter will be waking up in 5ish hours...so I'm really off this time...until morning nap time!!!

Teresa - posted on 09/29/2010

Jodi, you keep referring to it as helping to solve a problem, but formula feeding ISN'T a problem. It's a choice.

OK. Let's go w/ this making formula by prescription only and no handing out a free can at the hospital scenario here. Say you have a new breastfeeding mother w/ newborn twins. It's midnight, she's exhausted, babies are cranky... She has just nursed each twin TWICE in a row, but they are still hungry. What do you suggest that mother do at midnight when no doctor is open, no pharmacy is open, and she's about to completely lose her mind.....

Real life scenario and thank GOD I took the free sample of formula even though I had no intention of ever using it.... Went out and bought some of the powdered formula the next day for disasterous nights such as that. Still breastfed those twins til 15 months, but those 'last minute' bottles of formula in the middle of the night in the first month or two pretty much saved my life.

Brought to you by a woman who is still happily nursing her 2.5 year old son. ;)

Kate CP - posted on 09/29/2010

Carol: I believe WIC covers formula completely as does food stamps. No need to make it a prescription only item.

Amie - posted on 09/29/2010

No it wouldn't Jodi. As I said in one of PP's. If an infant is having issues with their formula for any of those reasons, the mom switches formula. With this type of legislation though it would make it that much harder to do so.

First they need to get the actual script, if their doctor allows it.
Then they find out that particular brand causes issues. So instead of going to the store and finding a different one (or going off recommendations of family and friends as most mothers are apt to do) they have to book another appointment, making their baby suffer in the meantime waiting.
Go over all of that with their doctor and then go with the one he/she then suggests as the next one to try. =/

Kate CP - posted on 09/29/2010

*bangs head on desk* No one is saying that formula is better than breast milk. I nursed my daughter and I plan on nursing my son when he finally arrives. However, should something happen to me or my supply I want to make sure I have another option that is healthier than nothing at all and whole milk with karo syrup in it (which is what most women who can't afford formula use). So if you can't afford a doctor...that means you can't afford a prescription for formula. So...that means either the baby starves or we give the baby whole milk with karo syrup. Fabu.