Melissa,
I see nothing wrong with breastfeeding related companies advertising their
products.  WHat I do have a problem with is them wineing and dining LC's in
the hope we will promote their products over a competitor's without regard for
the merits of the products and the needs of the client.  The other problem
with advertising is it can make breastfeeding look difficult- for example
there is a bra company selling a nursing bra with ice inserts for the pain of
engorgement.  This implies that everyone gets engorged, and does nothing to
educate women on frequent early feeds to prevent engorgement.  It
institutionalizes our poor practices that lead so many women to get
engorged... see what I mean?  It will also turn off women who are unsure about
breastfeeding.
        This is the same problem with the "Nursing Mother's COmpanion" portion
that is distributed by an abm manufacturer.  The excerpt focuses on chapters
on early problems, which looks daunting to an expectant mom considering
breastfeeding.
        There is a difference between education and advertising.  I would like
to see more education, less advertising.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]