When a formula company facilitates a breastfeeding conference it is the
intention to portray themselves as being supportive of breastfeeding and to
cause participants to look kindly upon the company. The Code allows
information to be given to health care professionals (usually about their
product) as long as it is scientific and factual. By having a well
respected speaker give such a conference it lures the unsuspecting health
provider into the sphere of formula company marketing tactics. We all know
to be suspicious of a formula company employee who is giving breastfeeding
information but someone well respected in the lactation community is hired
to essentially do the marketing for the company. This is similar to a nurse
giving out a formula company discharge bag. It presents a massive conflict
of interest by the speaker.

Attending such a conference rewards the formula company for poor corporate
behavior by giving the appearance of supporting the work of the formula
company. The company can then use your good name or state that lactation
consultants "loved" the conference and look how good we are! Let's not fall
into their trap. Even though you might want to hear the speaker it is not
worth the conflict it presents nor the appearance of providing support for
a company whose mission is to compete directly with breastfeeding. Formula
companies sell more formula by "selling" less breastmilk.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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