IMHO: it isn't the marketing strategies per se that are the problem. Any
company in our society has a right to make a profit for its investors. I
think we are far too paranoid about the reach the formula companies have. I
think we can learn something from them. Why aren't we breastfeeding advocates
using the same strategies?
We can sit around a whine all we want about ABM companies but if we are doing
nothing about making changes to market breatfeeding we have no right to
complain. How many of us are pushing for policy cahnges in our institutions
and at the state government level. When was the last time you talked to your
legislator about mandating third party reimbursement for IBCLC delivered
lactation services? How many of you are forming coalitions in your towns and
cities to launch a baby friendly hospital campaign? How many of you even
encourage parents to write to the hospital at which they delivered to demand
better breastfeeding care?
political activism begins at home. Its time to get proactive and stop being
reactive!!!!!
Alison K. Hazelbaker