Artificial feeding decreases across Canada

Encouraging news! Although the Canadian government has not implemented the Code, the use of infant formulas in Canada actually decreased from 1992 to 1996. Statistics Canada found that average weekly expenditure for infant formula per household decreased from $.27 in 1992 to $.20 in 1996, even though the cost of formula remained relatively stable. Those involved in promoting breastfeeding and helping mothers should pat themselves on the back -- you have succeeded in increasing breastfeeding rates despite violations of the WHO Code by formula companies.

As breastfeeding rates increase, the efforts by the infant formula industries to foil its success intensify (see INFACT Canada's monitoring report on page 4). As much as the health care system and all those involved with infant and young child nutrition have worked hard to offset industry's attempts, the onus remains on Health Canada to regulate the protection of breastfeeding. Why, we ask does it continue to protect the infant formula industry's destructive marketing? The benefits to be gained for Canada's children and mothers are undeniable and immeasurable.