That is what I am calling these bags.  I agree with Marsha: why should
anyone be giving presents to people leaving the hospital, like it was a
children's party and they won't feel OK unless they get their favors and
goodie bags?  They got a baby, didn't they?  Do we think that isn't enough?

If we think they should get presents, the presents should be something with
an altruistic bent, NOT a marketing tool that threatens the health of the
whole family.  How about a free consultation with an LC at the time of your
choosing, or a free card for getting your windows washed, or your laundry
done, or just having a meal brought in?

These bags are nothing like gifts at all.

I am also troubled by the proposed solution of giving the formula to a food
bank.  Don't we want to make sure users of food banks get GOOD products
there too?  I suggest the parents be encouraged to send the formula packs to
the hospital administration, so they can save millions on coffee whitener,
FOR THEMSELVES.  Maybe that would lead to reduced health care costs in the
long run, and at least it would give them an idea of how embarrassed they
ought to be about these ridiculous antics on their part.

I was once (in about 1975) given a long-sleeved cotton tricot top with the
Coca Cola logo on it, as a gift.  I don't drink Coca Cola and I didn't want
to be a walking advert for it, so I returned the garment to the shop and
despite my not having the receipt, and the shop's policy of no exchanges, I
talked them into taking it back and giving me an un-belogoed top instead.
They knew they'd have no trouble selling that Coke ad to someone who would
be glad to wear it, and pay for the privilege too.  The person who waited on
me was flabbergasted, but I left the shop happy.

BTW, when I first became a mother, in Seattle in 1981, I was given a
discharge pack from the hospital, Group Health Cooperative on Capitol Hill.
It contained absolutely no items to put in a baby's mouth, no info on
formula, and I don't remember if there was anything about BF.  There was a
coupon for bronzing baby shoes, and one for a session with a professional
photographer, and I think one for a discount on diaper service.  Maybe even
some coupons for developmentally appropriate toys.  I was impressed, because
at that time every other maternity unit in the area was giving out free
formula in their packs.  I don't think I used anything but the diaper
service, and I didn't see why they bothered, but at least it was harmless
enough stuff.  The bag it came in was a plastic bag that was fine for
putting the trash in.

At my hospital here, we just got some money from an insurance company who is
trying to get people to buy policies for their newborns.  An agent
negotiated with the head of the unit, and we committed ourselves to hang up
a large poster in a prominent place, and place a stack of cards with the
same motif as the poster, somewhere where mothers can take them if they
like.  Before I could react, about 5 of my colleagues who aren't known for
their activist tendencies pulled my arm and said 'We can't post this, can
we?  Look at it!'  The insurance company has chosen a gigantic pacifier as
the symbol for a baby.  We are working on getting rid of it, but were
reminded by the boss that we did take their money, after all.  The amount
they paid us would not even cover the cost of ONE staff person for ONE shift
on a week day, without shift differentials.  For this we are expected to
give up our mortal souls.  What is wrong with us?  Find out what the actual
compensation to the hospital is for the formula advertising done by staff.
Bet it is the cheapest form of marketing known to the Western world.

Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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