>Subject: formula gift packs in prenatal classes
>
>Our hospital has been merged with a larger one. We have been told that
parents
>love to get gifts and to give out formula gift packs in all of the
classes, to
>include breastfeeding class! We have never given any formula packs in any of
>the classes. Needless to say, I am quite upset. Would like some advice on
how
>to discuss this situation with the other hospital instructors. I do not want
>to alienate the new boss, but I cannot teach a breastfeeding class and give
>out formula!
Pat, I recently came across this same problem in my hospital. We do not
hand out any discharge packs that are from the abm companies but do give
moms our own baby friendly bags. Last Friday I had to go to the childbirth
classroom for something, and there was a class going on (this was not a
hospital class but we allow the OB offices to use our facilities). Lo and
behold, under two tables were stacks of abm discharge packs (for abm and
bf'ing). When the instructor took a break, I approached her and gently
explained how hard we were working on becoming baby friendly. She simply
did not get it--she said that they took out the formula, so she did not see
a problem. When I explained to her how the parents to be were absorbing
the exorbiant cost of these "free" packs, and how unethical it was to use
newborn babies and their families for marketing purposes, she seemed to
understand a bit better. When speaking of this, I always use the image of
a patient pushing an IV pole around the hospital emblazoned with the brand
name of the medication on it. It also goes without saying that if a
product is given by a medical institution--parents figure it is a safe,
healthy product, and that it should be used. You can check your hospital's
mission statement, too (Thanks Marsha), it is sure to say something about
promoting health in your community.
Pam Holland, BS, IBCLC
Savannah, GA (Coastal GA and home of
"Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil)
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