Just a few more thoughts on this topic!! Rob Cordes asked about formula
recalls. There are plenty. I have a list of formula recalls since 1982. Again
I am most happy to share these with all of you. As usual, a self addressed
stamped envelope will get you not only that list bit I also included baby
foods (like the carrots recalled for high levels of arsenic). You can find out
about all the food and medical products that have been recalled each week by
going to the FDA's web site under FDA Enforcement Report, where these are
listed each Wednesday (helps with the grocery shopping!).

There is also a difference between a recall and a market withdrawal (voluntary
and hushed). When formula around here was found to have high levels of vitamin
D in it (up to 400 times the stated amount on the label) it was just taken
from the shelves. The FDA had no record of the incident. This is what happens
in the hospital when a case of formula separates or becomes unusable (the rep
comes in and replaces it).

It is true that hospitals might have to pay for tape measures, weight charts,
and discharge items. However, if they cannot do this then why is the unit
open? There is plenty of money in the hospital system. Just look at the
salaries of your top management people. This often amounts to the combined
salaries of 17-25 nurses. Look at your annual report and see if even part of
the money spent on that foolish document could be used to buy tape measures
for baby's heads.

Gifts of books, no matter how good or bad that are provided by formula
companies are designed to advertise their product and replace breastmilk. Just
say no. Mothers who must buy formula with enormously inflated price tags pay
for all of these gifts. Some of them must dilute the formula and compromise
the health of their babies so that formula reps can take health professionals
on ski trips. How is that for promoting guilt? The Junior League in Boston
used to make up the discharge packs for the mothers in our public hospital.
Formula was certainly not included.

Why are formula reps allowed on your maternity floors in patient care areas?
Where is the hospital's vendor policy when it comes to this barrier to
breastfeeding? Why do nurses take time away from patient care to talk with
these people? This situation is out of control and we are the ones allowing it
to continue. The new wing of the hospital paid for by the formula company
should have a sign on it with all the mothers' names who had to buy formula to
pay for it.

Marsha Walker
254 Conant Rd
Weston, MA 02193