I take Cathy's point about some women in desperate situations who don't bf
or who don't bf successfully do need ABM.

My point is that this *should not* come as branded gifts from well-meaning
kind-hearted individuals.

Why?

1. This is a political issue - non-bf mothers of babies at risk who cannot
afford to buy formula should be entitled to discounted formula from the
public purse...as of right. Well-meaning gifts from kind people cannot be
relied on.
2. This sort of marketing - sending unsolicited free gifts - is not allowed
under the  internationally-agreed WHO code. Diverting the gifts does not
challenge the flouting of this code.
3. You give kudos and warm glow to ABM manufacturers. They do not need, or
deserve it.
4. Mothers in desperate situations are as entitled as anyone else to choose
which formula brand they use for their babies - on the basis of a
health/nutrition choice, not on the basis of which brand a kind person gave
them, or which brand they happen to have noticed, or which brand happens to
have been kicking around the hostel. Remember, the WHO code is about
protecting all mothers and babies, no matter how they are fed.


And the clincher - it is *not* free!!! Someone is paying for this free
formula, and it is consumers - poor mothers included. They subsidise this
strategy in the retail price they pay.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK