I'm following up on the comments about the March of Dimes organization and
breastfeeding. I'll disclose that I've been involved in my local chapter on
various Committees and served as a Board member for a number of years.
There were comments several years ago on Lactnet about the inappropriate use
of baby bottles for fund raising and a link with formula companies.  I
queried my local chapter and was referred to the national office which stated
there was no connection between MOD and formula companies.
As one reader pointed out, local MOD chapters and/or staff may have a
negative attidtude towards breastfeeding, but they should be educated by
those of us who do have the correct information about the benefits of
breastfeeding.  Remember, many of the local MOD staff have marketing and
public relations background and are not health professionals, let alone
breastfeeding experts.
Catherine Church-Bolin, Director of Education Services at the national office
of the March of Dimes issued guidelines to all chapters in 2001 which
stated," the use of baby bottles, pictures of babies drinking from a bottle,
nipples, and pacifiers should not be used to represent the March of Dimes."
If you see something different in your area, bring this policy to the
attention of the local group and offer to educate the staff. If you have
further questions, contact the national March of Dimes at modimes.org. They
have also produced two nurse's modules on breastfeeding which are available
from the resource center.
Barbara Hayes
71 Elk Avenue
New Rochelle,NY 10804

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