For those who are not familiar with the expo, the American Baby Faire is an
amazing example of American consumption at work.  The exhibits ranged from the
healthful to the absurd and everything in between.  For example, you could get
a level 4 ultrasound of your baby for $75; formula/ babyfood companies had
big splashy booths and gave classes on such topics as breastfeeding and
introducing solids; you could get free yogurt samples and see all the latest equipment
necessary for baby (one would need a hefty income to pay for it all);
helmets were available for little ones learning to walk; you could sign up for
newspaper delivery, water purifiers, financial services, in home portrait service,
vacation time shares, buy makeup and even sign up for wine tasting/purchasing
home parties.

Our booth was sponsored by LLLI and LLL of NJ. By my preliminary estimates we
had contact with over 1,000 mothers and families in two days. Our goal was to
put a nice, warm face to breastfeeding support. We had a basic booth
decorated with the ad posters and a beautiful banner made by some LLL group mothers.
Since each entrant pays a $9 entrance fee, as we learned last year, most people
expect freebies. So, we had only information, catalogues and phone numbers to
handout.

 A portion of the women were unsure about breastfeeding but were willing to
take information to help them decide. Many had good experiences or great help
in the beginning.  Then there were all the sad stories of woman, after woman
who tried to breastfeed but were thwarted by awful hospital experiences or
terrible information and no support from HCPs.  They were grieving the loss of the
breastfeeding experience and clearly wanted to try breastfeeding their next
child. They took information even if they weren't pregnant.  One woman
practically had us in tears, because she wanted to relactate since her 21 month and 4
month old are having severe GI problems. Another was in tears because her baby
at the 4 month check up wasn't gaining enough weight and was told to wean and
give formula.  Instead of taking a bottle, this baby refused to eat. Now after
struggling for two weeks the baby decided to latch on at the breast and is
still not taking the bottle well. So mother has low supply and an unhappy baby
who is no longer eating well.  The mom cried because the doctor wasn't giving
any support.  We gave her a catalog with some breastfeeding aids and of course
our phone numbers and suggested she contact an LC. Then at the end of the
second day, was the couple who needed help.  Their 6 month old, exclusively
breastfed, healthy, gorgeous baby wasn't sleeping through the night and the father
was clearly angry.  He wanted something to make the baby sleep and why wasn't
there a product they could buy, "like a special formula or something, to make
him sleep".  Suffice it to say I wasn't at my best on this one.

The stories go on and on and I guess at the end of the day, we were inspired
and excited by the positive experiences and realize we still have a long way
to go in changing society and the health care environment.  We were grateful we
could reach out to so many people in a short time. All of us, who worked at
the faire, agreed we will be back next year.

Jeanine Hearne-Barsamian RN/IBCLC/LLLLeader
(Tired but inspired in NJ, and sad that the ads from the Ad Campaign were
being seen for the first time by most people)


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