Although this is behind the times, I wanted to add my $.02 about
participating in infant formula (ABM)co-sponsored events. I have
struggled with this myself for many years, but have come to the
conclusion that I must not participate in any event sponsored in any
way by an infant formaula manufacturer.  My struggle began with a
little baby fair at a local hospital.  If WE weren't there handing
out non-commercial breastfeeding information to all of these pregnant
women, they would be stuck with only armloads of formula company
literature on breastfeeding?  Was that in the best interest of those
families? Was this an ethical issue? I was advised to pull out due to
formula sponsorship and I grudgingly did so. At the time I felt it
was a loss to the mothers, but I have learned that mothers have a
responsibilty  to seek out non-commercial breastfeeding information
for themselves.  When we participate in ABM sponsored events, we are
engaging in what has long been considered "endorsement by
association"and further by aceepting the value of their monetary
assistance with the fair, we have allowed "manipultion by assistance".
  "In any case, this assistance is not a gift, but comes from the
high cost of sales and is, in effect, very inexpensive advertising."
No one serves to increase the credibility of the ABM companies at
these sponsored events more than the presence of experienced
breastfeeding professionals (LLLI & IBCLCs & RNs ) No matter what we
SAY about our disassociation, our presence will speak louder than our
words.  If we are opposed to ABM sponsorship of breastfeeding
education, we MUST provide behavioral evidence by refusing to
participate in any capacity. This is indeed an ethical issue and we
can not forget that these companies make money when breastfeeding
fails and these cleverly designed programs are intended to increase
their market share! Cathy Liles

Quotes from Jelliffe,  Human milk in the modern world. 1978.