The question is posed:  is it a violation of the IBLCE Code of Ethics for an
IBCLC to be a paid speaker at a class run by a toy store chain ... a chain
that is probably in violation of the [WHO] International Code of Marketing
of Breastmilk Substitutes because it markets/offers coupons for
formula/bottles/teats directly to families.

This is a thorny issue for those of us in private practice.  We *do* deserve
to be paid for using our time to share our professional wisdom ... and we
*do* want to market our services to large groups of mothers-to-be.

The Lactnet archives are full of odiferous situations where the IBCLC
unwittingly finds herself linked to WHO-Code-violators -- like the IBCLC
slated to speak at a conference, who arrived to find that a large portion of
the session was underwritten by a formula co.

My take:  You can protect yourself well, but sometimes that won't be enough.

An IBCLC can fashion a contract clarifying that she adheres to the WHO Code,
and even has the option to pull out of a speaking engagement for WHO Code
violations.   Why, she can open her session by jumping up and down,
screaming that not one penny of formula company money will ever cross her
palms.

BUT.

The IBCLC can't control how her presence will be advertised and promoted by
the toy store chain.  Imagine a store sign:  "Parent Expo next weekend!
Hear Famous Local IBCLC talk about BF!  Bring your cents-off coupons for
formula!  First 50 moms get formula co. diaper bag!"  Ouch.  Who wouldn't
lump the IBCLC together with the formula maker?

(And heck -- let's not forget the IBCLCs who -- openly and wittingly --
accept speaking fees from  formula cos.  I wish we'd see a little more
hand-wringing from that corner.)


Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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