Baby formula marketing to health field under scrutiny

The Sudbury and District Health Unit is being asked to join a movement to create laws about the marketing of baby formula.

At its meeting later this week, the agency may choose to join a letter-writing campaign to the Prime Minister.

It's a call to enact and enforce the World Health Organization's code on the issue, which recommends an end to formula makers marketing to hospitals and health care workers, among other resolutions.

A spokesperson with the Sudbury health unit said it's important that more women choose breastfeeding over formula.

“I don't think it's so much pressure as breastfeeding is normal,” Megan Dumas said.

“What we want women to understand is that breastfeeding is very normal. It's a normal way to feed your baby."

A pediatrician specializing in breastfeeding at Montreal Children's Hospital said the WHO code is useful, but he's doubtful about making it law.

“If infant formula companies stopped this kind of advertising than it would help support breast-feeding. I don't think it would do it single-handedly. But I think it would help,” Dr. Michael Kramer said.

“But it seems to me not a very likely occurrence … I can't see Canada, certainly not the current government, passing such a law.”

A statement from Abbott, a company that makes the infant formula Similac, said it supports breastfeeding as a woman's first choice. But for those who chose not to offer their babies breast milk, it provides quality products.