I just returned from the American Academy of Pediatrics national spring
meeting in San Diego.  This is one of two national meetings the AAP holds
yearly.

Dr. Neifert did have one extended session on the breast and pediatricians,
but otherwise, the programming dealt with other issues.

The exhibit section was most interesting.  Medela and White River were there
exhibiting breast pumps, etc, but none of the other breastfeeding groups were
present.   Of course, the Artificial Baby Milk companies were there in full
force with huge displays and were sponsoring things like the message center
and a fancy reception at the Birch Aquarium.  I was disappointed that the
breastfeeding advocacy groups, like ILCA and LLL were not represented at this
meeting.  There is a need for breastfeeding advocates to exhibit at these
pediatric meetings to try to counterbalance the major presence of the ABM
companies.  I would also have like to see the Academy of Breastfeeding
Medicine as an exhibitor.

I will be writing the AAP, and the ABM to demonstrate my feelings on this
issue.

Linda L. Shaw MD
Altoona PA