Speaking of AWHONN, I was shocked and appalled to learn earlier this week
that they do not support the WHO Code.
In case you don't know what the WHO Code is , here is some info :
What's the Code?
On May 21, 1981 the 34th World Health Assembly adopted the International
Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in the form of a
recommendation, in the World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution. More
than 160 countries and territories, including the United States, agreed to
take steps to implement the Code. Enforcement of the Code is a matter for
the government of each country to decide, in keeping with its social and
legislative framework.
The aim of the Code is to "contribute to the provision of safe and adequate
nutrition for infants, by the protection and promotion of breast-feeding,
and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes, when these are
necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate
marketing and distribution."
World Health Organization Publication WHO/MCH/NUT/90.1
The Code says:
NO advertising of breast-milk substitutes to the public.
NO free samples to mothers.
NO promotion of products in health-care facilities.
NO company "mothercraft" nurses to advise mothers.
NO gifts or personal samples to health workers.
NO words or pictures idealizing artificial feeding, including pictures of
infants on the products.
Information to health workers should be scientific and factual.
All information on artificial feeding, including the labels, should explain
the benefits of breastfeeding, and the costs and hazards associated with
artificial feeding.
Unsuitable products, such as condensed milk, should not be promoted for
babies.
All products should be of a high quality and take into account the climatic
and storage conditions of the country where they are used.
AWHONN accepts monies from formula companies for conference use and for
local AWHONN meetings as well, and just his past week I received a new
magazine called , Baby Talk, and on the front cover it says Published with
AWHONN and on page 21 is a full page ad for Carnation Baby formula!
I will not be renewing my member ship with AWHONN if they do not change
their practices.
Does anyone have an e mail address for them?
Thanks,
Cindy Curtis,RN,IBCLC
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.erols.com/cindyrn
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