I understand from some Louisiana folks that this is true.  The lactation
consultant is an IBCLC and an employee of the formula company.  They tell me
that she speaks on the benefits of breastfeeding for about 30 minutes (no real
information is given on how to help the breastfeeding process) then a rep
talks the rest of the time about how mothers shouldn't be made to feel guilty,
etc. for bottlefeeding and why their product is the one to suggest to the
mothers.  The dinner is usually a really nice steak dinner.  The rep gives out
the companies breastfeeding educational materials that contain handouts for
moms, slides, videos, flip charts, etc. in  a really nice canvas bag to
everyone who attends.  If you would like to communicate with someone in LA who
knows about this directly, e-mail me privately.

Camille Foretich, BS, IBCLC, CHES
Breastfeeding Educator
MS State Department of Health/WIC
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
1-800-545-6747

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