Hi! My name is Donna Zitzelberger.  I'm an RN,BSN, CLE.  I am thrilled to
have discovered LACTNET from a new LC at my hospital.  Currenly, I am
employed as the "lactation nurse" for a 28-bed mother/baby unit in a
Southern CA hospital.  We run about 150 deliveries a month.  We have a
pretty decent lactation program which involves prenatal education,
postpartum lactation evaluation (done by me), postpartum follow-up phone
calls (done by hospital LC), follow-up in lactation clinic (run by LC), and
a breastfeeding mothers support group.

        About a year and a half ago, the hospital LC who is now relocated,
applied for a Baby Friendly Certificate of Intent.  We received this
certificate.  I really thought the next step was certification.  However,
our new LC has informed me that as long as the hospital accepts donated
formula that we cannot be certified.  I know I would be beating my head
against a brick wall, if I tried to get the hosp to purchase formula, due to
economic cutbacks.  We have been able change the products in the gift/diaper
bags.  They used to contain a 48-oz can of formula along with coupons.  Now
every mother (breast or bottle) receives a gift bag with a water bottle,
breast pads, coupons, and a can of powder formula labled: "please contact
your health care provider before giving formula".

        Are there any US hospitals that are Baby Friendly Certified?  Has
anybody tackled this problem?

        Thanks in advance for any info.
                                        Donna Z