Most expectant mothers plan to breastfeed their baby, which is 'Plan A' in every way. But, if breastfeeding doesn't work, isn't enough, or you choose not to breastfeed, there is actually a really good alternative plan. But alternatives to breastfeeding are not allowed to be marketed.
How can that be?
We follow a code of ethics that was established in 1981 by the WHO (World Health Organization). This means that we are not allowed to market infant formula. Furthermore, the Riksdag has interpreted the WHO code of ethics in a Swedish law that prohibits the marketing of infant formula. The rules are strict. Therefore, we have only a little information about infant formula on our website and even less in our other marketing. The best advice on both infant formula and breastfeeding is from BVC.
Sometimes formula is described as a last resort, something to resort to after trying EVERYTHING else. If you want to breastfeed, but it doesn't work, it can feel like a failure. It can even make you feel like a worse parent. Unfortunately, we also believe that the regulations surrounding the marketing of our products can contribute to parents who need to give their child formula or complementary foods feeling questioned or treated less favorably. At Unna, we think this is an issue that deserves to be aired, because children can actually be fed in different ways. We want to work to break the polarization where breastfeeding is pitted against bottle feeding. We also want to:
– be clear that the ability to be a good parent is not related to whether you breastfeed or not.
– create security and ease bad consciences about breastfeeding.
– contribute to increased sensitivity and understanding of different parents' experiences regarding issues related to feeding young children.
Are you curious and want to know more - read about both the basis for the WHO's recommendation, about the WHO's advice today and about the Swedish legislation! For example, via the Riksdag's website and at WHO .
