Kathy,

I know what you mean about the latest gift from Ross.  When the "gifts"
arrived at our hosp. the staff was VERY excited because they felt, at last
something from the formula companies that I would like!!!  UGH!

Thank you for bringing this issue up...I have gone before both the peds and
OB committes  at our hosp. to present policy to discontinue the freebies for
bf families.  Although in committes they all agree, something happens when
theory is put into practice.  The OB supervisor and charge nurse for OB feel
 strongly that the consumers want to receive these "free" items. At the
maternity tour, cases of formula are given away.

I was told if I could find someone to donate .pumps, or other baby items they
too, could be given out.   Their rational or rhetoric is that the consumer
needs a choice and we have to present both sides not "just breastfeeding". I
have even removed the formula and labels from bags at times, but had my
wrists slapped by the OB supervisor.  Yet, the hosp. does employ me as an LC,
so I believe there is hope and I keep on pluggin' away.

Suggestions, please from anyone who has creatively dealt with this.

Elisa Hirsch, RN, CLC
Westlake Village, CA