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What do infant formula websites say about breastfeeding?
Quick Summary: A recent study finds direct-to-consumer messages on infant formula websites overtly discourage breastfeeding.
Perhaps not that surprising but a recent study finds direct-to-consumer messages on infant formula websites overtly discourage breastfeeding.
The websites have more negative messages about breastfeeding compared to formula feeding.
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The recent study by Pomeranz et al. (2021) was published in the journal Public Health Nutrition.
It was the first study to compare information and portrayals of breastfeeding vs formula feeding found on infant formula company websites. These were direct-to-consumer messages for US consumers.
According to the study’s lead author, Jennifer Pomeranz, assistant professor of public health policy and management at NYU School of Global Public Health, as quoted from the NYU press release:
“Many factors influence parents’ decision to breastfeed or use formula, including breastfeeding support and work schedules. But we also know that marketing and advertising play a critical role”
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The study:
The researchers looked at the websites of three major formula brands covering 98…
