Have been NOMAIL for several days, so am sorry haven't responded sooner.
Re: formula bags, thank you to all, including the suggestions to publish.
Will be working on that...

To Marsha Walker:  May I borrow your post of June 7th?  I'd like to use it
in an inservice, and as potential validation for policy.  Would that be
possible?

To Barbara Wilson-Clay:  Have been using your formula marketing bag lexicon!


To Pam Hendrix:  When our new director arrived, she---did I mention her
business savvy?--used funds from our Women's Services budget. Alot of it was
simply timing.  A huge campaign was occurring in town regarding women's
services, so we had to compete. Further, when she came on board, a number of
the neos, pediatricians and obstetricians stated one necessary addition to
the department was lactation services.  An update in all the nurses
education was occurring simultaneously, and lactation was no exception. For
the bags themselves, we had a medical supplier approach us about building a
complete package for moms, from delivery table items to post partum items,
rather than parceling out each item. As we were counting costs and knowing
we were losing money on chargeable individual items, it seemed like a
timely, logical step.  We asked if they could throw in a bag and still
manage to give us a rate that was less than our previous expenditures for
supplies.  They have, our logo is on them, (the only advertising) they come
packed with moms' pads, chux, etc. and we add the breastfeeding book that we
also hand out.  Also bought the book at a reduced rate, and in bulk.  Until
we received the bags, we just handed out the book, and said it was our gift
to them.  By the way, the bag looks more like a beach bag than diaper bag,
but I'm hearing nothing but good comments as it is much more utilitarian.
The nurses are asking when they can get theirs as well.

One question we heard alot in the beginning was that patients were angry if
they had a coupon and we didn't supply them with their formula marketing
bags.  It was pointed out that the small print at the base of the coupons
says they are available at participating hospitals; we informed them we were
not a participating hospital.  I have heard rumors that the opposing
pediatricians have taken to putting the bags in their offices, but have not
had the opportunity to prove or disprove.

Baby Friendly is still a very, very long way off for us, but we are working
steadily toward that goal.  And once again, thank you all for helping.

~Linda Duce RN, CNM  Austin, TX

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