The similac rep came and talked with our nurse educator about the new formula that they have. It will soon replace their current formula. the so called benefits of this new formula sound just like the benefits we talk about for breastfeeding. "improved immunity, less respiratory illness, ect" . The rep claims the babies stools look and smell just like a breastfed baby. The new ingredient is an oligosaccharide which is considered a prebiotic. It is supposed to encourage the growth of friendly bacteria. Breastmilk has has many oligosaccharides and breastmilk also comes with its own friendly bacteria!! I am very upset about this new marketing strategy. When I researched the lactnet archives I found the study and it is only comparing formula fed babies, but the new mothers don't know that! :-( Anyway, our nurse educator actually felt it was important enough to let us all know about this new formula at the staff meeting. I also just found out that we are giving out the breastfeeding kits from enfamil to the mothers at our childbirth class. I feel like I am swimming up stream against a very strong current and big waterfalls! It is very discouraging. Although, I guess I should remind myself that salmon can swim upstream against all odds to reach their goal so maybe I just need to persevere. Although, now I am finding myself at a big waterfall and I am getting a little tired! Christine Lichte, IBCLC Warrensburg, MO *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome