Hi Lactnetters
Bobbi Philipp MD asked me to post this letter she wrote to the AAP re the
recent use of the AAP breastfeeding book by Ross Labs:
August 19, 2002
Ms. Maureen DeRosa
Director of Marketing and Publications
The American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove, IL
60007-1098
Dear Ms. DeRosa,
As a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics for almost 15 years, I
applaud our organization's recent initiatives to support breastfeeding. The
1997 statement on "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk" is an outstanding
reference. The Provisional Section on Breastfeeding, of which I am a member,
is a valuable addition. The recently published New Mother's Guide to
Breastfeeding (Bantam Books/Trade Paperback) is a terrific resource, written
by a wonderful pediatrician, lactation expert and advocate.
However, I am writing to voice my strong displeasure regarding the AAP
decision to allow Ross to purchase the New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding.
Having added their logo next to the AAP logo/name, Ross is now distributing
this book in the diaper discharge bags they give to hospitals free of charge.
This implied relationship between Ross Labs and the AAP is troubling for
numerous reasons. Research has demonstrated that distribution of formula
company diaper bags, with or without infant formula, undermines breastfeeding
success. Distributing this book via Ross Labs lends credibility to the
formula manufacturer, supports their strategy to market specifically to
breastfeeding mothers, and implies AAP endorsement of this particular brand
of formula.
Based on an extensive review of the literature, infant formula company baby
bags are not given to mothers and fathers at Baby-Friendly Boston Medical
Center, because we want new parents to have every chance to be successful
with breastfeeding - especially to be exclusively breastfeeding their infant
for the first six months as recommended by the AAP statement on
breastfeeding. We have worked extensively to decrease the presence of infant
formula influence in the hospital in any way we can. Based on the evidence,
we would be contradicting ourselves if we told our mothers and fathers, "We
support breastfeeding" --- and then handed them items from an infant formula
company as they left for home.
It is clearly time for the Academy to conduct a thorough review of its
relationship with infant formula companies. This agreement with Ross is an
international embarrassment for the Academy and members such as myself. The
AAP statement on "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk" states,
"Pediatricians are encouraged to work actively toward eliminating hospital
practices that discourage breastfeeding (e.g., infant formula discharge packs
…)". By allowing Ross to use this publication the Academy is contradicting
its own policy statement and is assisting a pharmaceutical company in its
goal to sell more infant formula, which we know will negatively impact the
health of the children and families we are committed to serve.
I look forward to hearing from you on this matter.
Sincerely,
Barbara L. Philipp, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Boston University School of Medicine
Division of General Pediatrics
Maternity Building, 4th Floor
Boston Medical Center
91 East Concord Street
Boston, MA 02118
CC: Dr. Louis Z. Cooper, President, AAP
CC: Dr. Joe M. Sanders, Jr., Executive Director, AAP
CC: Dr. Sean Palfrey, President, AAP MA chapter
CC: Dr Joel Alpert, Ex-President, AAP
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