The gift packs *do* make a difference because they become associated
in the mind of the receiver with the medical profession and the
hospital.  When you get stuff in the mail, it's just so much more junk
mail.  When you get it from the hospital it comes surrounded by all
the aura of the hospital and everything they did for you including
provide you with a baby (more marketing).  It is a stain on the
medical and nursing profession to be involved in such marketing, and
it is unethical to give samples and advertising even to women who
"choose" to formula feed.  And nurses and physicians who consider a
sample of formula a "gift" have been suckered by the companies.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC