How do you hospital LC's cope day after day with the formula gift bag
issues?? I started this program 12 years ago, and have been fighting to
get rid of these bags for that long. Per our breastfeeding policy, the
formula is to be removed from the breast gift bag unless dr ordered or
mom's request. Staff generally disregards this and 99% of the bags still
have the formula in it. We bring it up every month at our task force
meeting, and they still won't remove it.  

I was just coming from the NICU and the Clin 2 stopped me and said
"here is a prime example why we should give formula" this mom had a 6 wk
old, (apparently she wasn't even given a bag to begin with)had mastitis
(which her doc told her not to nurse! don't get me started on that!) I
guess had to go to the store and buy some fomula.  After talking to her
friends she realized she didn't get the bag with the free formula, so
here she comes to the hospital to get her free bag with formula in
it...with her 6 wk old. The Clin 2 then said the mom had said she was
weaning too. Another nurse came up while we were agreeing to disagree,
and said her daughter had used the formula from the gift bag too. So, I
had to walk away from the conversation because I was about to burst into
tears. I am sooo frustrated!! We have had the Baby Friendly Intent since
1995!!  

I am gathering info, mostly Marsha Walker's info, the task force wants
stats showing the gift bags reduce exclusive breastfeeding and/or length
of breastfeeding. Anyone have any info I can use? 

I am sorry to explode to y'all, but I knew it would be a safe place to
do it, not explode with the Clin 2 who already thinks we are crazy.

Thanking you in advance,

Margaret IBCLC
(who probably is a little teary anyway  because her baby left for
college, and her middle is leaving tomorrow for college)

Margaret M. Sullivan BA, ICCE, IBCLC
Lactation Office
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

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