The Buzz: No more free formula

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (FOX Providence) - Rhode Island's First Lady was set to join the Rhode Island Health Department Monday in celebrating the state becoming the first in the nation to eliminate the distribution of free baby formula at hospitals.

According to a news release, both Landmark Medical Center and Memorial Hospital ended the practice of giving out free infant formula to new mothers upon discharge during October.

In doing so, they joined Kent, Newport, South County, Westerly, and Women & Infants Hospitals, which previously stopped giving out the commercial formula bags.

The Rhode Island Health Department supports the move, saying it will help increase breastfeeding rates across the state.

According to the Health Department, mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of some diseases, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. 

The Health Department also says breastfeeding protects babies from gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, asthma, and type 2 diabetes, and reduces their risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life.

A news conference was scheduled Monday afternoon at Health Department headquarters to celebrate the achievement.