I agree Jack the correct thing to do was to refuse the honorarium and be
there - thanks to both you and Betty that you were able to do this.
However when I am asked to give full day workshops I prefer to be paid so I
provide the conference organizers with the WABA guidelines so they become a
part of the expectation for accepting the speaking engagement. Thanks to
Anne Altshuler for posting the most current guidelines. I have given my
time freely to provide a 'breastfeeding display' at major conferences where
we know that the formula companies are involved because I feel very
strongly that we need to promote breastfeeding alongside!
Another point about organizing conferences, when lunches aren't offered as
part of the registration fee it has happened (Ottawa 1995) that the formula
companies have invited LC's from certain areas out for a complimentary
lunch! Beware their infiltrating strategies can penetrate breastfeeding
conferences even when they are not involved directly!
Maureen Fjeld, IBCLC
Calgary Breastfeeding Center
Calgary, Alberta