Learn about national and international issues and how the International Lactation Consultant Association represents breastfeeding interests around the world.

 

 January 2012: Recently in the news a death was connected to possible bacterial ingestion through formula in a 10 day old baby. As lactation consultants we wanted to create an awareness of concerns for proper formula preparations. Often breastfeeding mother's are given powdered formula at discharge through the formula "gift bags". We need to be proactive in an awareness campaign to our hospitals and clinics.  Jennifer Foster (our Vice President) authored this letter and we both signed it in response to our concerns and sent it to our state representatives. Please read below and join us in our concern for the health of all newborns. Thanks

News and Updates

In the recent news, a ten day old infant in Missouri has died from a Cronobacter sakazakii infection which is possibly linked to the ingestion of powdered infant formula.  Powdered infant formula is not sterile, and it cannot be manufactured in a sterile manner. 

The World Health Organization released a document in 2007 with guidelines for preparation of powdered infant formula.  In this document, they suggest that powdered infant formula not be fed to immune-compromised infants including premature infants and infants less than two months of age.  Additionally, they provided specific instructions as to the preparation of powdered infant formula, to reduce the risk of infections.  Many families are unaware of this recommendation from the World Health Organization. 

The Ohio Lactation Consultant Association encourages all health care providers to inform families of the World Health Organization’s “Guidelines for the safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula” (see link below).  Families need to be given all the information in order to make an informed decision on the best way to feed their infants.  Obviously, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for babies.  If infants are to be fed formula, liquid concentrate or ready to feed should be fed to premature infants or infants less than two months of age.  If powdered infant formula is being used, it should be prepared according to the World Health Organization guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.  Additionally, the USA is compliant with Codex Alimentarius regulations on baby food products. The most recent Codex guideline refers to and recommends following the WHO guidelines for preparing powdered infant formula.

 

Noreen Edwards, BSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC and Jennifer Foster, BSN, RN, IBCLC

Link to WHO recommendations: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/micro/pif2007/en/

Codex Alimentarius. (2008). Code of Hygenic Practice for Powdered Formulae for Infants and Young Children (Vol. CAC/RCP 66 - 2008). Geneva: World Health Organization.