Here is the current list of ideas about what could be put in a discharge pack
for breastfeeding moms and ways to accomplish those goals.  I KNOW there are
more good ideas out there so keep those cards and letters coming in!  Thanks
Karen, Kathy D. and Mary for the ideas.  Kathy D. have you contacted that
dynamo of a lady who got all those contributions to get more of her ideas?

Items that can be included gift packs:
*Introduction letter to the parents, congratulalting them on new baby and
describing gift pack and purpose--encourage breastfeeding, appreciate the
support of local organizations and merchants, etc.
*Hand knit little hats or booties for the babies
*Make a simple baby sling from pillow cases or 2 ½ yds. fabric
*Bra pads
*Acceptable breast cream--purified lanolin--tea bags with instructions??
*Information booklet on breastfeeding
*A (non-ABM company) breastfeeding video -- expensive, how would we fund it?
*Information sheets on early breastfeeding
*LLLI’s breastfeeding fact sheet
*Resource list for all area local breastfeeding information and help
*A good breast pump without any ABM literature or promotions attached
*Mother’s Milk Tea sample
*fridge magnets with local breastfeeding help numbers
*T-shirt or bib for baby (could say "I dine at moms")
*Poison control info / hot line #
*Small picture frame for baby’s picture – some are magnets

Coupon or rebates (could be 10% off, etc.) from local businesses for: 
*baby portrait from a photographer 
*video rental
*fast food   (Dinner and a movie—great stay-at-home date for the new family)
*nursing bra or nursing pillow
*lactation consult or class
*baby massage class
*massage coupon for mom
*consignment shop that carries baby items
*baby sling or soft type carrier 
*coupon for haircut for mom
*coupon for free facial or make over 
*coupon from local pharmacy, especially one that delivers
*weight check for baby

Groups that could take on making gift packs as a project:
        Hospital volunteers or ladies auxiliary
        Health Mother / Healthy Babies Co
        Women’s prison
        Breastfeeding Task Force group
        Breastfeeding support groups (LLL, NMAA, Nursing Moms Council, etc.)
        Local women’s clubs, social or church based
        YWCA
	
Other ideas / ways to finance / get people to help, etc.
        Ask for the donations
        Point out "good-will", "visibility" or "advertising potential"
NEED MORE IDEAS HERE EVERYBODY!

You can make a gift pack completely non-commercial if you want, or you can
include coupons and gifts from  merchants.  I personally feel as long as it
adheres to the WHO code I would be happy.  Also, I would like to point out
all the commercial gift packs now being given out in my area are all for BIG
businesses that are NOT local.  I firmly believe in promoting LOCAL
businesses.  It does several things:  It promotes the economy in MY town,
keeps the dollars paying salaries, rents, and being circulated LOCALLY.  It
also builds associations with those business owners/citizens/neighbors in my
local area.   In the case of the gift packs it also helps instill in these
LOCAL people an investment in the well being of the mothers and new babies
(future customers and consumers here as well!) who live here and are their
neighbors and friends.

Post or send me some more ideas.  We need lots so people have choices that
will fit  resources they have in their area.  I'll compile them and post the
final draft in a few days.

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA