My daughter sent this from the US.  I apologise if it
has already been on Lactnet .

Press release from Ralph Nader Aug 27 2000

"Keep commercialism out of maternity wards"

Noting that these days, the business of birth starts early with the
cutting of the umbilical cord, consumer advocate Ralph Nader has
asked the American Hospital Association to urge member hospitals
to keep commercialism out of the maternity wards. Nader writes,
'In hospitals across the country, women giving birth are likely to
receive a gift bag overflowing with brand name goodies and
promotions from businesses eager to have their companies names
follow a child from birth to their own first purchases. Often unaware
of exactly what they are distributing, hospital staff have become
unwitting promoters of T-shirts,, baby detergents, nursing pads,
soup, commercial guides to infant growth, childrens' medications.
and , most prominently, infant formulas.

Ruth Bacon  IBCLC  Ontario

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