I just read Dr. Sears justification, provided in Nikki Lee's post, for using
formula company advertising on his web site. I've no intention at this point
of writing to him, but I do think that we need to recognize this for what it
really is...a sell out. He believes that he has been preaching to the choir
and that now, by promoting formula (after all that is what advertising does),
he will reach a previously unreached segment of parents who will then adopt
attachment style parenting. I wonder why he thinks that families who chose
bottle feeding will see the catchy formula banner on his web site and then
read on and chose breastfeeding or even change their parenting style. I know
there is a place and a need for formula, but promotion by breastfeeding
advocates is totally unnecessary. Lord knows the formula companies do that
job magnificently well without our help.  Parents can easily find formula on
the shelf at any grocery or drug store and their pediatrician, without
promoting it, can help them to chose the most cost effective brand. Families
can open any baby magazine and see bottle feeding touted. They will not lack
information if it is not on Dr. Sear's web site. If he does believe that
parents need accurate info on safe formula use, he can certainly provide this
info, but he does not need to advertise the product.

The need for money does not justify formula promotion.  In this case the ends
do not justify the means. Promoting and supporting breastfeeding is such an
uphill battle. When a  renowned breastfeeding advocate takes money from a
formula company the company has won another huge battle and the fight to
promote the healthiest possible nutrition for babies takes a hit.

Kathy Boggs, RN, IBCLC
Mountain View, CA

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