LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Karen Gromada <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:03 -0400
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (76 lines)
I don't remember reading any post that asked for tolerance of product(s) or
their manufacturer(s) or the marketing thereof. And I think most of us
realize the Code is about the marketing of certain products to the public.
My post referred mostly to "attitudes" or "judgments" or perception of such
that seem to be passed -- and the way some posts seem to mutate into
something else entirely that is then taken as "truth" in another run of
posts.
Can't speak for others' posts, and I don't think I used the word "tolerance"
or "tolerant" in my previous post, but I was referring to what I guess could
be considered "tolerance" of one another on this list. I used to think this
was a forum I could go to for "robust debate" or to wrestle with clinical,
ethical, etc. questions and situations -- but no longer. In the last couple
of years, something seems to have changed. Now it often seems like a choir
that only wants to hear "yes" voices. A "no" or "what about...?" leads to
what often comes across (at least to me) as a scold or a patronizing hand
pat.

I understand that the Code does not prevent me from engaging in discussion
about items with manufacturers of said items that come under the Code
vis-a-vis marketing aspects. However, it does affect the ability to create
opportunities for discussion with such manufacturers, especially knowing
that an exchange of info may help babies and mothers yet may also lead to
further undesirable marketing strategies. Conference exhibit areas have
provided me with opportunities to let various companies know what I find
useful and effective about their products but also what may make a product
more useful or effective. They've also given me opportunities to share what
I don't appreciate about a company's marketing strategy -- usually related
to making claims without also providing relevant research to back up a
claim.

Personally, I have a hate-love relationship re: conference exhibit areas.
Everyone in there has something to sell -- whether directly or indirectly.
Many of the products began as nice little items that actually were helpful,
but success led to bloated claims and fancier (generally unnecessary)
details and icky marketing that makes one it would be impossible to BF
without it. It's not just items that come under the Code. And it isn't that
every mother now thinks she needs a fancy-dancy pump or special human-milk
storage containers. Mother's also think they need a certain book or DVD, a
nursing pillow, an expensive sling/carrier, etc. I'm not disputing that some
of those items are nice and work better than some of the ones available back
in the day... But you name it  and those at conferences are being told we or
the couplets we work with, need this company's product. I have had negative
feelings about the way a company has been marketing certain products for the
last few years re: how complacent many have become about accepting claims
that new products work without being given the market research related to
product effectiveness. And, as an exhibitor, that same company has hosted
evening receptions with the bestowing of clinical recognition awards, which
seemed to imply the professional association behind the conference was in
agreement/approved that this was an appropriate venue for such award-giving.
I didn't get the sense that the ethics of those marketing strategies were
being questioned much -- maybe a little or by some, but not much. It's when
we get to items that come under the Code that there's gnashing of teeth.
Personally, I'd like the chance to have bottle teat Code violators at
conference exhibits. I'd like the opportunity to discuss products as a
professional and as a BF group support Leader away from the general public
advert forum. I guess some attendees may succumb to the overwhelming claims
-- I guess some could be bought. (I've been around and seen it happen.) But
I don't know -- I think it's a chance I'd be willing to take.

I apologize -- I think I'm rambling. Not sure if I've clarified where I was
trying to go or only muddled more or how much this post will be
misinterpreted, but it's a chance I'm willing to take.

Karen Gromada

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

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

ATOM RSS1 RSS2