Hi Janice,
Here in the US, formula companies bid for "contracts" with most
hospitals to be their exclusive formula supplier.  Hospitals get
millions of dollars, free formula, volufeeds, nipples, etc, as well as
growth charts, bassinette tags, measuring tapes, and other gizmos with
the formula company logo and name on them.  Then the reps show up
regularly to give lunches and have sales contacts with the staff.
Competing reps show up to try to sway opinion toward their brand once
the contract expires.  It's usually part of the contract that every
mother must get a discharge pack with formula samples and literature,
and usually a little toy or something to make the mothers want it.  Over
the past few years, they have given out insulated diaper bags with the
company logo all over them.  So the mothers are advertising for the
company wherever they go.
There are special discharge packs for breastfeeding mothers, including
"How to BF" booklets that usually contain subtle messages about how
"difficult" breastfeeding is, and handy samples of formula for that
moment of weakness or doubt.
I have a collection of formula company videos for breastfeeding mothers.
  One shows a huge table full of vegetables when it talks about
nutrition for bf mothers, another shows a woman with "engorgement"
grimacing like she is in agony while she holds ice to her breasts,
another has a new mom telling the "nurse" that she is worried that she
can't tell what her baby gets when she bf's, and the "nurse" just nods
sympathetically.  Aaargh!
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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