Out of curiosity, do you only see breastfed infants? How is your
clinic now different from when you practiced general pediatrics?
Do you have moms that from day 1, despite your best convincing
efforts, declare that they are formula feeding?
I ask because I don't give formula samples to my breastfeeding moms
but sometimes when playing the dreaded "formula game" ie not
breastfeeding but they want their baby on the formula that keeps them
from passing gas, spitting up, and makes them sleep through the night
on day 1, samples can be helpful.
I see some pediatricians say they have been practicing exclusive
breastfeeding medicine for a number of years. What exactly does this
mean? Do they not have formula feeders in their practice? What I nice
setting that would be!
How are formula samples for an infant whose mom "has made up her mind"
that she is formula feeding any different than other drug samples?
(this is a true question. Not meant to be argumentative. Just
exploring ways of thinking). I think sometimes people who only see
breastfeeders forget that general Peds do also see exclusive formula
feeders too. I don't want to desert those poor babies just because
their mommies are making poor decisions about their health. They need
good medical care even more than the babes whose moms are making good
decisions!
Truly curious and a bit envious of your practice,

Liz Dedman, MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Growing Healthy Children
Louisville, KY


On Feb 20, 2012, at 10:12 PM, "Dr. Leeper" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I would like to throw in my 2 cents on this topic.  In my opinion, the
> answer is "No, it is never okay".
>
> I have been seeing breastfeeding moms and babies for 11 years, and I
> certainly DO use formula when needed.  (We also have pasteurized donor milk
> in a freezer available for the 4-day-old who has lost too much weight and
> is screaming waiting for moms' milk to "come in".  At $15 for a 4oz bottle,
> it is too expensive to use more than 24-48 hours)
>
> BUT we purchase all of the formula we use during consults.  I have never
> had a drug/formula rep of any kind in our clinic.  If parents need formula,
> they go purchase it after seeing me, or go to WIC.
>
> When I was doing general pediatrics (16+ years ago) we DID have a closet
> full of formula. I know I did not think the formula companies had any
> influence on me at the time. But it is a powerful endorsement of a product
> to be handing out "samples" of it. And the reps absolutely do have
> significant influence on healthcare providers...that is why the drug
> companies pay them to be there.  There are so many providers out there
> telling moms "formula is just as good".
>
>
> Kathy Leeper, MD, IBCLC, FABM
> Medical Director
> MilkWorks-nonprofit breastfeeding support center
> 5930 South 58th, Suite W, Lincoln, NE 68516
> (402) 423-6402, FAX 423-6422,* **www.milkworks.org*<http://www.milkworks.org/>
>
> *Creating a healthier community by helping mothers breastfeed their
> babies....*
> *
> *
> *
> *
> *
> *
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