While it was once standard practice for hospitals to send new mothers home with gift bags containing formula cans and bottles, this is no longer the case in most facilities. Policies surrounding the distribution of infant formula have shifted significantly, driven by global public health initiatives and accreditation standards.
Understanding the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is the primary reason most hospitals have discontinued giving out formula samples. Launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in 1991, the BFHI aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding as the optimal form of infant nutrition.
One of the most direct steps related to formula provision is Step 1A, which mandates facilities fully comply with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. This means hospitals cannot accept free or low-cost formula supplies from manufacturers, which eliminates the supply of free samples typically included in discharge bags.
Step 6 of the initiative instructs that infants should receive no food or drink other than breast milk, unless there is a clear medical indication. By removing formula samples from the discharge process, hospitals ensure they are not inadvertently undermining a mother’s intention to breastfeed. Research has shown that receiving formula samples upon discharge can lead to shorter durations of exclusive breastfeeding, even among mothers who initially planned to nurse.
The facility must purchase any formula used during the hospital stay through normal procurement channels, ensuring it is used only when medically necessary and not as a routine supplement. While this means parents will not receive a free supply, it reinforces the hospital’s commitment to evidence-based, unbiased feeding support.
Supplies and Support Provided Upon Discharge
While formula samples are no longer part of the discharge package, new parents receive a variety of supplies and services to support their transition home. Hospitals provide numerous physical items used during the stay, which are then packaged for the parents to take with them.
For the newborn, this typically includes a generous supply of disposable diapers, baby wipes, and a bulb syringe for clearing nasal passages. Parents can also expect to take home several of the hospital’s soft goods, such as a few receiving blankets and the distinct striped cotton newborn hats used immediately after birth.
Postpartum recovery items for the mother are also provided in abundance:
- Disposable mesh underwear
- Large maternity pads
- A perineal irrigation bottle
- Cooling pads
- Witch hazel pads or numbing sprays
In addition to physical items, parents receive detailed contact information for follow-up care, including a scheduled appointment for the newborn within 48 to 72 hours of discharge. For those choosing to breastfeed, hospitals provide access to lactation consultants and resources for breast pump rentals or assistance with insurance-covered pumps.
Sourcing Formula for Immediate Home Use
Parents who plan to formula feed or combination feed should proactively plan for their baby’s needs by purchasing their preferred formula brand before the due date. Having a small container of powdered or ready-to-feed formula, along with sterilized bottles and preparation equipment, prevents a last-minute scramble after returning home. This preparation is important because the hospital will not send home the specific formula brand they use internally, even if the baby received it during the stay.
Any formula used in the hospital, typically in small, sterile, ready-to-feed bottles, is provided for in-hospital use only. In rare instances of medical necessity, such as a NICU stay or a specific metabolic need, a doctor or hospital nutritionist may provide a prescription or a small, short-term supply of specialized formula. This exception is strictly based on the infant’s medical status and a detailed discharge feeding plan.
If a feeding plan changes unexpectedly after discharge, several avenues exist for sourcing formula quickly. Formula manufacturers often offer sign-up programs online that provide coupons, discounts, or small sample cans mailed directly to the home. Parents can also inquire with their pediatrician’s office, as some clinics still receive limited samples from manufacturers for distribution based on need. For low-income families, government programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) can provide assistance in obtaining formula and other nutritional items.