I have been following with interest the discussion about LC's getting
involved with corporations.  Has anyone noticed how lactation is
becoming an "industry" itself?  Every month I get catalogs promoting a
variety of goods.  Some of them are practical and needed like breast
pumps.  But do we really need Disneyland type gift items like cups,
t-shirts, stickers, baseball hats and tote bags?  I've been struggling
with this for quite some time.  Deep down I dislike the idea of LC's
selling or promoting anything. Breastfeeding should be about a mother
and a baby!  But the reality sets in when many of us in private practice
see the bank balance at the end of the month.  Consultations are time
consuming.  We can't fit in 4 patients an hour like a dermatologist.  We
don't do procedures like a dentist.  Malpratice insurance, phone,
certification, materials and conferences cost a lot.  I have to balance
my dislike of sales with the reality of staying in business.  Every LC
has to draw her own line.  Although I can make A LOT more money if I
worked with certain large corporations, I won't do it.  I won't accept
work with any company that has ties with formula, bottles, baby junk
food, mineral water, (which pushes formula to boost their sales) or
products I find harmful or unnecessary.  I won't stock a certain brand
of nursing pillow because my experience tells me it's a total waste of
money.  I do carry certain pumps and breastfeeding products like nipple
shields, SNS, cup feeders etc. because they aren't always easy to find
in stores.  I'd also hate to see moms use these products incorrectly.
BTW, it isn't only our profession that is struggling with this.  You see
an awful lot of health care practioners promoting vitamins, herbs and
other "health" products.

Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, IBCLC
Ranana, Israel

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