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The AAP recommends exclusive breast-feeding of infants for the first 6 months of life, but only 11% of infants in the U.S. are breast-fed exclusively. Studies have shown that women who receive formula sample packs at hospital discharge are less likely to breast-feed exclusively. To determine the proportion of hospitals that distribute formula samples at discharge, researchers surveyed 1295 hospitals in 21 eastern states and the District of Columbia in 2006 and 2007.
Most hospitals (94%) reported providing formula company–sponsored diaper bags at discharge. Proportions of hospitals reporting this practice ranged from 100% in Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to 70% in New Hampshire. Of the 80 hospi…