Barbara has told us about one of the latest marketing ploys by formula companies, Abbott's 24/7 helpline. LifeCare employs lactation consultants but I believe they have refused to participate in this new marketing ploy. That is why they are not available 24/7 and a different number must be called for breastfeeding assistance. You might wish to bring this new service to the attention of your Risk Management Department and ask that such brochures not be given to your patients. This represents a safety issue. If a mother calls this number looking for help with breastfeeding and delays obtaining help from a real expert she could place her baby in danger if there is a serious feeding issue. If a hospital gives out this brochure it means that the hospital endorses the service, in essence recommending that their patients use it. As a nurse, there is no way that I would wish to assume this liability.


This is the same type of "service" that Gerber has provided, with thousands of phone calls to their helpline every year. Is it any wonder that babies are not fed properly. Formula companies have started to be much more aggressive in their attempts to influence health care providers. I have reports of a formula company starting a service for night nurses and a journal club for NICU nurses. Consorting with formula companies is a conflict of interest for nurses, putting commercial interests ahead of their patients' well being. How sad that the concept of "free" and the comradery that these little clubs create trumps the ethics of so many health care professionals.


Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA








 

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