The Global Breastfeeding Crisis How Formula Marketing Undermines Infant Health & What We Must Do
News
Oct 2, 2025
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child survival and long-term health, yet aggressive commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing continues to undermine it. Despite 40 years of international regulations, only 48% of infants worldwide are breastfed as recommended.
Let’s delve further into how companies exploit parents and healthcare systems, and how governments and healthcare professionals can combat unethical practices.
The Formula Industry’s Grip on Global Infant Nutrition
While breastfeeding is biologically natural, billion-dollar corporations have made formula feeding seem “normal.” Yet, the science is clear: breastfeeding prevents disease and boosts development. Especially when considering how unsafe water can make formula feeding deadly.
- How Formula Marketing Undermines Breastfeeding Rates
- CMF sales grow yearly, with companies targeting social media, doctors, and hospitals to push products.
- Only 33 out of 194 countries fully enforce the International Code of Breast-milk Substitutes.
- False health claims and free samples discourage breastfeeding, especially in vulnerable communities.
- Why Breastfeeding Matters: Lifesaving Benefits
- Reduces infant mortality by protecting against diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.
- Lowers chronic disease risks (obesity, diabetes) later in life.
- Supports brain development, leading to higher IQ scores.
- Saves families money: Formula feeding can cost over $ 1,500 per year.
- Formula’s Hidden Dangers in Low-Income Countries
- Diluted formula (due to cost) leads to malnutrition.
- Contaminated water increases infectious disease risks.
- Supply chain disruptions (e.g., wars, disasters) leave babies without food.
Urgent Actions to Protect Breastfeeding Worldwide
There are various actions we can take to protect breastfeeding. From fighting corporate manipulation and interests to providing women with more support, we can counter the influence of Big Formula.
Let’s explore these points further:
1. Ban Predatory Formula Marketing
- Enforce the WHO Code, which bans CMF ads, free samples, and health claims.
- Regulate digital marketing, which now targets mothers on Instagram and TikTok.
- Penalize violations with fines and legal action.
- Support Mothers with Paid Leave and Workplace Policies
- Mandate 6+ months of paid maternity leave (only 25% of countries do this).
- Require breastfeeding breaks and private spaces at work.
- Educate employers on the economic benefits of breastfeeding.
- End Formula Industry Influence in Healthcare
- Ban CMF company sponsorships of medical conferences and research.
- Train health workers on breastfeeding counseling.
- Remove formula samples from hospitals and clinics.
- Fund Grassroots Breastfeeding Advocacy
- Support mom groups and lactation consultants in underserved areas.
- Counter misinformation with social media campaigns.
- Partner with midwives and community leaders to promote breastfeeding.
- Prepare for Emergencies with Breastfeeding Support
- Prioritize breastfeeding in disaster responses (no formula donations).
- Train emergency workers in safe infant feeding practices.
- Stockpile breast pumps and lactation aids for displaced mothers.
A Future Where Every Child Gets the Best Start
Breastfeeding is a human right, not a corporate profit opportunity. So, what can you do?
- Demand stronger formula marketing laws in your country.
- Support breastfeeding moms in your community.
- Choose ethically sourced breast milk banks over formula when needed.
- Share this information: Many parents are unaware of the risks associated with CMF.
By stopping predatory marketing, supporting mothers, and enforcing global policies, we can ensure that every baby receives the safest and healthiest food, breast milk.