Hi all,
Hope everyone arrived home safely from the conference. Also sending best
wishes to all the Monday test takers!
I too was confused about the presence of Playtex and Avent in the exhibit
hall at the ILCA conference. I approached Marsha Walker Sunday morning and
asked her why those two companies were there and she confirmed, just like the
posted sign outside the exhibit hall, that all the exhibitors were "in
compliance with the code." I asked if it was because of the products they
were exhibiting, Playtex liners and Avent pumps not bottles or pacifiers, and
she said "right". Yet when I arrived home and read my downloaded copy of
"Breaking the Rules, Stretching the Rules 2001" form IBFAN, on page 71,
Playtex is scored as 'X = substantially violating" for their labeling slogan
"Better for baby...most like mother" which is printed right next to that cute
picture of a mom and baby on the liner samples that were distributed at the
conference. Furthermore, their instructions of course include how to use
their Nurser. Sure, they may be "Ideal for Breast Milk Storage" and have a
"Convenient write-on feature for name, date, and time" but then why did the
representative state that it was advised to double bag them for breastmilk???
Duh, because they are intended for formula! If they want to make a breastmilk
storage bag then make one that is stonger than these formula bottle liners
and solely intended for breastmilk storage!!! Now for Avent, the Avent Magic
Cup with the "magic spout & valve - makes all Avent cups and bottle
non-spill" is labeled 3m+ and has a cute little ear on the package whom is
holding not this cup but a bottle! I didn't know that three month olds can
drink expressed breast milk from this type of cup. Guess what the package
insert inside the cup says..."recommendations for use...not to be used with
carbonated beverages". Well thanks Avent, we all know our little three months
olds' breastmilk isn't carbonated. With that label what parent would think of
introducing supplemental formula, juice, water, or even SODA (or POP to some
of us) to our infants before 6 months. I'll be inspecting the rest of their
advertising when I receive their freebie breastpump in the mail.
So, as LC's we can okay some of these companies products because they don't
violate the code but have to morally stay away from the majority of their
products because they do violate the code???
Therefore, do I have to feel guilty for really craving a Nestle's Alpine
White chocolate bar right now or not???
Uh-oh, maybe I shouldn't have met Regina at the conference! (Only kidding!!!)
Confused over some exhibitors, yet overall very pleased with first ILCA
conference and still looking forward to becoming an IBCLC hopefully next year,
Kathleen Williams, RN, BSN, CLC
Miramar, FL
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