I've been somewhat following the discussion on hospital gifts. The population I work with, free gifts are pretty necessary. This is how we get them to come to appointments, childbirth classes and breastfeeding education. We have been very fortunate that the formula reps don't seem to think we are important, so we don't have to fight that. It has caused staff to have to be creative. They have gotten samples for mother's personal care ie. soaps, deoderant, bubble baths, shampoos; local businesses will donate gift certificates for a free six inch sandwich, free soda or ice cream cone. Occasionally we will also give out diapers. We have found that mom's are very appreciative to be the focus of the attention and actually are much happier to recieve these items than the formula samples (they can get at WIC, as one told me) It's an option that we've found works well, and while it may take a little time to get started, the samples seem to keep coming just as easy as the formula. Just a thought.

Sarah Tanner, CLE
working toward IBCLC (someday)Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

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