The 3 Minute Activist
Ellen DeGeneres Show (September 6, 2020).

The Ellen DeGeneres Show PO Box 7788 Burbank, CA 91523 Dear Ellen Degeneres and the producers of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Thank you for utilizing The Ellen DeGeneres Show to support so many good causes, such as collecting and making donations for hurricane Katrina relief and caring about animals. Ellen has a unique talent for being extremely funny without harming the dignity or well-being of another human being or any other living creature. However, please do not give away free infant formula on the show. Breastfeeding is another very important health matter in our society. Many Americans are unaware of research done in the last few years that shows what a negative impact formula feeding has on the health of Americans. See http://promom.org/101 for a list, and more information on the risks of formula at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496 . According to numerous studies, the rates of problems that many of us suffer from, such as certain cancers, asthma, diabetes, and obesity, as well as childhood problems such as ear infections, could be lowered dramatically if breastfeeding rates were to increase. There are many reasons that breastfeeding rates are too low. One is lack of awareness of the importance and health effects. Another reason is that many try and fail due to lack of good information and support. The World Health Organization is aware of the importance of breastfeeding and research shows that formula advertising and free formula gifts lower breastfeeding rates. Formula companies continually advertise an inferior and costly product made to replace superior and free breastmilk by doing "generous" things like giving away an $800 gift basket on your show to a pregnant woman. A year of name-brand formula costs parents up to $2,000. Some people do not realize the effect of "free infant formula"; for more information please see ttp://ibfan.org and http://banthebags.org . A better gift for a pregnant mother would be one that is supportive of breastfeeding. Perhaps it could include a subscription to a breastfeeding magazine (New Beginnings), a few breastfeeding books (Breastfeeding Made Simple, So That's What They're For!, Nursing Mother Working Mother), a breastfeeding DVD (Mother of 7 Videos), and a gift certificate for two sessions with an IBCLC. The show has a voice which is heard by many. Please say no to any formula company whose advertising diminishes the health and well-being of babies for the rest of their lives. Respectfully,