Many of the recent posts concerning ABM companies and others are very
interesting in that that are in contradiction to the current Political Climate
here in the USA. Both Major parties and  their candidates have taken stated that
they are against Big Government. The recent, 1994 Health care Initiative by the
Bill Clinton was stopped cold in its tracks. Even a simple preventative Medicine
step such as basic immunization is difficult to pass.

Its clear that the perception by Politicians is to keep government out of most
issues (health care activities included). This will make it much more difficult
to enact any legislation regarding the marketing activities of ABM companies.

By their vary nature, ABM companies will engage in marketing. That is the nature
of Capitalism, which has gained in stature and prestige since the decline of the
Soviet Empire. This marketing can be tempered by legislation but this, again, is
difficult due to the current political climate. Thus, it appears as though this
marketing will be with us for a while. The lactation field should do all it can
to change these practices but may want to consider recognizing that without
legislation the marketing will always be there.

Much POWER is attributed to this marketing of ABM companies. Much too Much. I
think that we must take much more responsibility for the failure to carry out
the goals set by the Surgeon General. When a mother stops Breastfeeding, lets
turn to ourselves and see what we could have done differently. Its easy to shift
the blame to another source and say its out of our control. Of the 100% of
mothers who could Breastfeed how much of the 45% who initally choose formula
feeding (in the USA) is due to this marketing? 5% or 40%?

Its evident that some basic information is lacking in the Lactation Field. Such
as:

        1.What are the real reason's that mother choose formula over
Breastfeeding?          What are the real reason's that mothers are not meeting
their goals for                 breastfeeding duration.

        2.  Are the Reason's ABM marketing?
             Lack of Education
             Lack of Breastfeeding Resources
             A Problem was encountered
             Lack of motivation
             Cultural Problems
                        or one of many others

Once the real reason's are clearly identified, a plan of action can be
formulated (no pun intended) to assist mothers in reaching their goals. Without
this basic knowledge we will clearly run in circles and there will be a tendency
to blame others. Perhaps this information already exists and I haven't run into
it. Please E-Mail me if you have any articles or suggestions.

        A popular Prayer in the USA

        GOD grant me the serenity to
                Accept the things I can not change
                The courage to change the things I can
        And the WISDOM to know the difference.


Richard Weston
Medela Inc.