Dear Dr. Sears, and Martha,
I was excited to realize that you had a website. I have long admired your
work from my standpoint as a mother, LLL Leader, nurse, IBCLC, and internet
consultant (Lactnet is my volunteer work online.) Now, as my children have
grown, I consult independently as a lecturer (I often lecture on the topic
of the WHO Code and Breastfeeding/Internet issues)...and for Medela, Inc.
as their online RN IBCLC. I recommend formula when I need it for clients,
but I do not accept any speaking engagements or other "gifts" from formula
companies.
When I first realized that you had a website, and that you took formula
money to fund your site, my first reaction was not to rush and write a
nasty letter. I asked my readers on Lactnet to wait and look and temper
their letters to you with time, and patience. I mulled it over, went back
and looked at your site several times, and I am sorry to tell you that I am
shocked and dismayed at your acceptance of the formula money. In your
explanation you have convinced yourself that what you did was fine. How
can this be?
You give an explanation that you wish to reach those that do not believe in
what you teach. There are better ways to do this. One is to uphold the
principles for which you and Martha have so long stood. Taking money from
a formula company and having their ads on your site implies that you
believe that this form of advertising is ok. In fact, this is a violation
of the WHO Code on Marketing of infant formula. This is a clear conflict
of interest.
Your site gives helpful advice to new mothers who are so very vulnerable.
By having those banners there, it implies that you feel it is fine. This is
an abuse of your professional standing and of the influence that you have
gained as a result of years of hard work. As an IBCLC, I have not taken
formula money to host a computer listserv site for Lactnet, though at times
we have had to search for computer hosting and services. I could have,
Bill, but I did not.
You cite that you need funding. The fact is that you make profit from
your books. The money it takes to build and maintain your website is a
professional expense. Part of being in business. We all need to pay for
advertising for whatever we sell. Could you have asked for a sponsor you
who was not a violator of the WHO Code? This reminds me of the Pediatrics
Dept here in Vermont. They argue that they need formula funding to buy
textbooks, etc for medical students. What it means is that they don't want
to spring for these things. It is easier to fall prey to this type of
subtle sellout, but I though that you might be above this. I hope you are,
and that you reconsider this very dangerously powerful decision.
I know that LLLI has long referred to your teaching, information, and books
as guideposts to new mothers who are so very impressionable. How can they
refer to you now that you have sold out?
I know it is not a perfect world. I know that things cost money. But, when
principles are concerned, there are always better ways than to sell one's soul.
I hope you reconsider. I admire your work greatly, and I would hate to this
bad choice tarnish your well-deserved reputation. You have earned the
trust of many people. The IBCLCS, who are not well paid, the LLL Leaders,
the nurses, ...the mothers......Take a look at this and see if you can see
that you are defending an indefensible position. Going to your site now is
like tripping over a case of formula at the pediatrician's office. It is
appalling.
Sincerely, and with regret,
Kathleen B. Bruce BSN IBCLC
Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet, Indep. Consultant
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://homepages.together.net/~kbruce/kbblact.html
LACTNET Archives http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/lactnet.html
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
