In a message dated 2/1/2007 6:28:37 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
A Ross Rep once said to me, "A
breastfeeding mom is our best friend. Because if we can get her to
supplement
with our product even one time, we have her." You see, a bottle feeding
mom
will readily change formula companies, and switch to cow's milk ASAP. But
a
breastfeeding mom really is concerned about her babu's nutrition, and if she
thinks that the formula she is given in the hospital is the BEST one for her
baby, chosen specifically by her pediatrician, she is hooked. And if she
is
convinced one way or the other that she doesn't have enough milk -- she'll
choose the formula given to her in the hospital.
On a similar note they target breastfeeding moms with formula samples, while
those who fill out surveys that indicate they'll be formula feeding get
coupons for dollars off.
When I was pregnant almost 3 years ago I filled out surveys in my married
name with my home address and in my maiden name using my parent's address. I
indicated to the same companies on one form that I was breastfeeding only, and
on the other formula feeding only.
Just a few short weeks before my estimated due date the formula started
rolling in at the "breastfeeding only" address. Again at 4 weeks past my EDD
another round of formula showed up at the door. Why? Well for that 6 week
growth spurt that so many moms mistake for "not enough milk" or "my milk isn't
satisfying my baby" of course.
The formula companies know what works, they wouldn't waste product they
could otherwise sell if it didn't.
So what harm can a pen do? Well take that pen and put it in your pocket
then round on a new mom and try to teach her about all the benefits of
breastfeeding while charting and making notes. Don't think she doesn't notice, she
does. Or walk in with that formula logo on the pin that holds your ID badge.
She notices.
Then when she's frustrated, feeling like she "can't do this anymore" and
there's that sample can of formula that came in her "breastfeeding support" bag
that she got at the hospital you better bet your bottom dollar that she'll
remember that pen, or that ID Pin that held your badge in place. You were
advertising for them, endorsing the use of their product even, so while she knows
breastfeeding is best, you must also think that particular brand of formula
is "good enough" to get her through this tough spot.
Let's take it one more step. That bottle was so easy, baby seemed to handle
that formula just fine. Soon baby is liking the bottle more than the breast
and well, since you were endorsing that formula it must be just fine for her
baby and she allows breastfeeding to fall by the wayside or baby develops a
preference for a bottle and refuses the breast. Now what harm did that one
little pen have on your ability to support a woman in being successful at
breastfeeding?
Just one little pen sends a message. Those women are hearing it loud and
clear and those formula companies are laughing at us all the way to the bank.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Angela Horn CD(DONA), CBC, CCCE, CPD
Certified Doula
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
Certified Childbirth Educator
Certified Postpartum Doula
Birth Photographer
There are two primary choices in life:
to accept conditions as they exist, or to accept the responsibility for
changing them.
~Denis Waitley~
*IF*
elective cesareans are as safe as vaginal birth then that should tell you
something about the way vaginal birth is managed in many hospitals today.
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