Dear Lactneter's I've been following your posts on formula bags with much interest. My interest stems from the fact that it seems to be quite cross cultural that women who have just given birth and received the best gift they could wish for (ok, well the vast majority then) can still be 'bought' with free garbage? Are they so dissatisfied with a new baby that they need freebies to keep them going insane? I've seen mothers on their way out of the hospital clinging on to some inane fluffy toy while the baby is wheeled out in a pram or car-seat pram. Here in The Netherlands formula samples are not allowed (although that doesn't stop the leaflets etc) but you do get handed a box of stuff (toothpaste, shower gel, plastic bowl from the dairy industry (!) insurance advertisments and whatever else someone can think of to give away). I've received one myself last year and promptly refused it. The word went around the nursing staff that the crazy English woman had refused 'the box' as two other nurses came to ask why! I tried to explain (like I should be explaining my rash behaviour?) that the only gift I needed was my new daughter - drew some blank faces. Wouldn't it be great to be able to instil in mothers (and fathers of course) that the only thing they need to take home is their baby? A very naive thought in todays world maybe, but it would negate the necessary conflicts with LC's and the spineless wonders who insist on formula bags! groetjes Sara Bernard, The Netherlands (ps this mail sounds like I'm little miss perfect, I'm not, although nearly!) *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html