May 19, 2013
Tallahassee, Florida- July 30, 2012
Lindsay Durrenberger is a brand new mom to her son Dax.
For the past two weeks they've both been learning the ins and outs of breastfeeding.
"The nutrients in the breast milk are tailored exactly to what the baby needs as it develops so it's a really great thing," said Durrenberger.
Durrenberger and tens of thousands of new moms want the natural approach to nutrition.
However, there are plenty who'd prefer to use formula for their little ones.
Beginning in September New York City hospitals will keep their formula under lock and key and out of the hands and mouths of babies.
It's Mayor Michael Bloomberg's way of pushing moms to let their babies latch on.
"Even though I breastfed and still do," said Durrenberger, "I think taking away the options for moms who can't or who physically are unable to, or whatever the case may be, I think that's really awful."
At Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, lactation nurses like Angela Goodson, coach moms through the new process.
"I try to teach moms the benefits of breast feeding," said Goodson. "The immunity properties that it offers their baby, just the wonderful, wonderful bonding that it offers that mom and baby."
Goodson says while TMH strongly encourages breastfeeding, their moms are given the choice.
Goodson says they've actually been giving out more formula recently but hope to change minds.
"Latch On NYC" is the name of New York City's program. It's voluntary for hospitals, and is part of a nationwide push toward breastfeeding.
New York mothers who insist on bottle-feeding will still be able to do so.
However, nurses will have to sign out the baby formula.
If a mother is physically incapable of nursing, the formula will be readily available.
