Raoul Legislation Makes Hospitals “Baby-Friendly”

 

Maternity wards must encourage breast-feeding, provide resources for new moms

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13^th) has secured passage of legislation requiring hospitals to adopt policies that encourage breast-feeding, allowing the use of infant formula only when medically necessary or when the mother prefers not to breast-feed.

“The consumption of breast milk by infants – especially in the first few days of life – is correlated with positive health outcomes, both in the short term and throughout the child’s life,” Sen. Raoul said. “Hospitals, of all places, should make breast-feeding an easy choice for a new mother, providing her with the information and resources she needs to get started.”

House Bill 4968 states that obstetric and neonatal wards in hospitals should continue to make formula available for infants when breast-feeding is medically inadvisable, the baby is not receiving sufficient nutrients or calories from breast milk alone, or the mother does not wish to breast-feed. A hospital’s infant feeding policy must include providing instruction in the safe preparation and storage of formula when it is used.

“Breast-feeding is inexpensive and healthy for most mothers and babies,” Sen. Raoul said. “New mothers should know their hospital is supportive of breast-feeding, has committed not to supplement with formula without their permission unless medically necessary, and stands ready with sound information and guidance.”

The legislation requires hospitals to consider the recommendations of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a project of the World Health Organization, when developing a policy on breast-feeding.

HB 4968 has passed both chambers and will become law once signed by the governor.