I am on another list where private practice lactation consultants are discussing the ethics of participating in a "Baby Expo" if formula manufacturers also have a booth. My take: most visitors to an Expo understand them to be a "shopping mall" for baby products and services. Simply put, each booth is trying to sell something to new parents. Unless the formula manufacturer is hosting the Expo (rather than merely participating), there is unlikely to be a situation where IBCLC's participation can be twisted to imply endorsement of formula -- which does present an ethical dilemma. I think an Expo is a wonderful chance to educate new families about the ease of doing the norm: BF. I suggested the IBCLC get fun with it: have a poster that says "Ask Me About Your Free Baby Gift: Breastfeeding." The formula manufacturers have mastered the use of carrots such as coupons and freebies to attract attention to their product. Maybe BF advocates should use the same carrot to draw families to their booth! Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC Wyndmoor, PA, USA *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html