I am on another list where private practice lactation consultants are 
discussing the ethics of participating in a "Baby Expo" if formula 
manufacturers also have a booth.

My take:  most visitors to an Expo understand them to be a "shopping mall" 
for baby products and services.  Simply put, each booth is trying to sell 
something to new parents.  Unless the formula manufacturer is hosting the 
Expo (rather than merely participating), there is unlikely to be a situation 
where IBCLC's participation can be twisted to imply endorsement of formula 
-- which does present an ethical dilemma.

I think an Expo is a wonderful chance to educate new families about the ease 
of doing the norm:  BF.  I suggested the IBCLC get fun with it:  have a 
poster that says "Ask Me About Your Free Baby Gift:  Breastfeeding."  The 
formula manufacturers have mastered the use of carrots such as coupons and 
freebies to attract attention to their product.  Maybe BF advocates should 
use the same carrot to draw families to their booth!

Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html