The Breastfeeding Equivalent of Monsanto

The outright decimation of the Department of Health and Human Services truthful, helpful, and absolutely necessary ad campaign by big industry lobbyists is not only an embarrassment to the functionality of the American government but an extraordinary disservice to the American people. Henry Waxman, a democratic representative from California, says in the article that this interference "might have had serious public health consequences."



Enfamil Infant Formula Nutrients and Ingredients

Mirroring Monsanto's, a company who monopolized the agriculture industry by genetically modifying their crop to express a Round-Up gene among other potentially carcinogenic introductions, reign in the US Department of Agriculture; the 'purchase' of the DHHS by infant formula companies is practically criminal. We did not have ample time and opportunity to study what Monsanto's GMOs will do to us before they went to mass production and distribution in our country. We do know however, that unmodified corn and soy is just fine; possibly not as profitable, but it has actual health benefits.

The same goes for infant formula. Look at the label for Enfamil, a popular brand; who the heck knows what disodium uridine 5-monophoshpate, choline chloride, and magnesium oxide are besides something you might have learned to draw in Organic Chemistry? And why would you want to feed your baby highly processed chemicals from an unknown source? Everyone knows sodas like Pepsi and Coca-Cola aren’t exactly drinks of choice for a nutritious and balanced diet. Formula is like the baby equivalent of drinking soda instead of water.

So similar to the Monsanto situation, not enough time has passed since the introduction of formula to know the long term health effects. But again, what we DO know is that breastfeeding is healthy for both the mother and infant. How then, can we justify allowing lobbyists paid by the industries to face the most gain or loss, influence our decisions on educating the public with TRUE information. How many more people will be offended by NOT telling the truth about breastfeeding than will be by telling it. I’m sure the mothers incapable of breastfeeding will understand if it means that their sisters’, cousins’, and daughters’ babies will be healthier.

I absolutely think that ad campaigns should continue. Education is power. Properly educating people, especially via radical ad campaigns, has helped control drug usage and STD outbreaks. I feel that there is no better reason for similar measures to be taken than to protect future generations from a potential lifetime of disease and illness.