I had the "pleasure" of my first OB visit yesterday, my first in the US
civilian health care system.  Well, my first contact was my pregnancy test,
setting up my prenatal appointments and a simple question from the office
nurse.  "We have a free gift pack for new mothers-would you like one?"
Letting my guard down as I needed to get back to work, I said, "Sure!"

As I looked the gift pack over in my truck, I felt my first trimester
nausea get worse-the bag said "Another Lac**F**e Baby!"  My heart sunk.
Inside were TWO formula gift packs from the two big formula companies.
Also inside was the book, "While Waiting".  Well, I stomped straight to our
LCs office where I knew I could vent.  I also wanted her to see my outrage
as an expectant mom as she is doing an inservice at each office next week
on promoting and spporting BF (how timely).

I'm barely pregnant and they are giving me formula-and every other pregnant
lady too!  No one even asked me, "Are you planning to breastfeed your
baby?" or even "How are you going to be feeding your baby?"  They just
automatically gave me these samples!  This cute little book about pregnancy
would have sufficed!  Women can be easily swayed to make their feeding
decision, some deciding either preconceptually or prior to quickening.  I
just wonder if ignorance is to blame!

I've got myself so angry that I'm having a hard time being objective about
the whole situation.  I've already given my samples to our LC as a visual
aid for her inservice.  How can she make this a good learning experience
for the staff of this office?  I have another visit later this week.  How
can I get my point across?  I need your help!

From the usual big mouth who is flabbergasted and even more nauseated now!

Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Birth and Breastfeeding Resources  http://www.childbirth.org/bbfr (under
construction)
Manhattan, KS  USA
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