Breast-feeding: the role of multinational corporations in Latin America

Abstract

The decline in birthrates in the developed countries of the world has forced multinational corporations engaged in the production of infant formula to seek out new markets in the developing countries, where burgeoning population rates potentially guarantee the long-term profitability of these corporations. This development, ostensibly benign and nutritionally advantageous to infants in developing countries, has serious public health consequences, due to the high relative cost of purchased formula and the paucity of hygienic facilities essential to the sterile preparation of bottle formula. This paper delineates in detail economic and contraceptive advantages of breast-feeding, and examines the role of health personnel and multinational advertising techniques which have catalyzed the decline in breast-feeding. In addition, the paper focuses on the question of cultural imperialism and current efforts to regulate the multinational firms through both United Nations groups and stock-holders' suits. Finally, some suggestions are made concerning ameliorative public policy approaches to the breast-feeding controversy.

PIP: The role of multinational corporations producing infant formula in contributing to the decline of breast-feeding in Latin America is attacked. Breast-feeding has declined dramatically in developing countries during the past 30 years, not only because mothers work but also because bottle feeding is seen as a status symbol. Breast-feeding is seen as backward and failure of lactation is a response to the stress of urbanization. The advantages of breast feeding are summarized. The spread of manufacturers of infant formulas into Latin America is documented. Both advertising in the media and health professionals tend to turn mothers away from breast-feeding. This not only affects infant health adversely since most of these mothers do not have the experience or facilities to bottle feed properly, it affects birthrates by eliminating the lactational amenorrhea which is so important for birth spacing in poor countries. Health professionals need to be aware of this threat and information programs for women must be developed to counteract the advertising of the multinational corporations.