Kathleen Huggins wrote:
" I was quite stunned to then sit there listening to most all of the
politicians express their opinions on what a silly idea this was."

We all know that these politicians must have been formula fed because
breastfed babies are so much smarter!  I wonder what this people's mothers
think of them?  humpf!

We're glad to have you Kathleen, Dr. Smith and Ms. Ortiz as advocates for
our future generations!

Amy Smith
Bakersfield, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathleen Huggins" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 9:41 AM
Subject: AB 2447


> Hello!   I am very sorry to report that AB 2447 failed to make it out of
> the Health Committee in the California State Assembly.  This bill was
> introduced by Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg and its purpose was to rid
> California of free formula samples to pregnant and nursing mothers
> prenatally and at hospital discharge.
>
> We waited until nearly 10 o'clock at night to be heard.  Ms. Goldberg gave
> a compelling overview of the bill, going through a discharge pack in front
> of the twenty committee members.  Three of us, including Dr. Bruce Smith
> (Pediatrician) and Laura Ortiz, IBCLC  gave thoughtful two minute
> presentations.
>
> I was quite stunned to then sit there listening to most all of the
> politicians express their opinions on what a silly idea this was.  One
> woman said she thought the bag was cute.  Another said she suffered from
> post partum depression and was quite happy to have her spouse feed her
baby
> a bottle of formula once a day so she could get away from her baby.  A
> black man said that most of the black women in his district did want to
> breastfeed and that we should back off.  Another woman said she was happy
> that her daughter got the formula gift so that her grandbaby could receive
> the formula at two months of age.  The issue of "womens'choice" was
brought
> up over and over.  They refused to believe that the formula industry gives
> kickbacks to hospitals.   They dismissed the ten studies that have shown
> the association of premature weaning and partial breastfeeding as a result
> of these gifts. (Seemingly dumb democrats and ridiculous republicans!)
>
> Many organizations gave their support including ACOG, AAP, WIC, and CNM's.
>
> The two major formula companies opposed as well as a California hospital
> association.  The committee seemed quite happy to hear their testimony.
>
> When it was all over, a very teary Ms.  Huggins just wanted to drive home
> and I did; six long hours to get to safer ground.  I need to be home and
> try to forget about this very disappointing loss.  Tomorrow I will go back
> to my safe "Baby Friendly" hospital clinic.
>
> I was so hoping this could be the beginning of something wonderful.
>
>
>
> Kathleen Huggins
>

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