Starting in September, participating hospitals in New York City will aim to limit the amount of formula they distribute to new moms to encourage them to breastfeed their babies, according to a published report.
New mothers who want formula for their babies will still be able to get it, the New York Post reported, but the number of bottles of formula will be tracked, they will be kept in harder-to-find locations and women who receive them will also be instructed on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Twenty-seven of the city's 40 hospitals will also stop distributing bags of freebies from formula companies.
The program is part of "Latch On NYC," a Health Department program aiming to increase the numbers of breastfed babies which has also featured a subway ad campaign. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends women exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a child's life.
Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.
