Laurie says,

> you can ask the rep from all of the competing
> manufacturers for the scientific info on their respective products. or you
> can read about artificial feeding in many print and online
> journals/articles. you can do a google search

While you certainly make some excellent points, Laurie, I think there are
things you can find out from these meetings that you can't find out from going on
Google or just reading the information OR from talking to the rep.  I for one
would love to hear what Joan Meek has to say about these formulas -- for that
matter, I'd much rather hear a physician talk about them than the rep.  I
would think they would be more knowledgeable, even if they are being paid by the
phonula company.  I think it tremendously important for IBCLCs to be
thoroughly knowledgeable about all facets of infant feeding.  I wish I knew 1/10th as
much as Valerie McClain knows about patents....

Some people learn best by reading the literature; others learn by listening
and interacting.  As long as we aren't taking anything from the formula
manufacturer except information, we are not in violation of the WHO Code or the IBLCE
Code of Ethics.  Liz too made some good points, and I really appreciated her
way of phrasing an introduction....

In point of fact, most of these functions are dinner first (to mellow
everyone out) and then the speaker(s), so that we don't even have to come for the
dinner -- arrive afterwards.

Someone (was it you?) commented in a previous post that they didn't think it
important for IBCLCs to know about infant formulas.  I respectfully disagree,
as I think we are the only ones that care enough to fight against the use of
potentially harmful substances in our babies.  And I think we need to know
exactly what we are fighting against.  Not to mention, we need to know enough to
be able to discuss it knowledgeably with physicians and families.

Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, RLC
Lactation Education Consultants, Wheaton IL
www.lactationeducationconsultants.com

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