Dear Jane & fellow lactneters,

Please do not be offended by what I am about to write - this is not
personnal.  My feelings regarding discharge packs are the following: Why is
it that we feel we have to give the moms a little gift when they leave the
hospital, isn't having their baby enough?  Is it that we feel a need to
compete with the formula companies ?  Do you really think we can compete with
the millions of dollars they have to spend on their discharge packs?  The
reality is that we cannot and I truely feel we may be contributing to the
materialistic madness.  Let's face it, women who desire to breastfeed, don't
do it because they got free breast pads or coupons.  We all know that what a
new mom needs is good, consistant hospital lactation assistance and teaching,
timely follow-up, on-going support including good referrals.

When I worked with WIC, we struggled with the issues of incentives and
rewards for years. Small gifts work well for this group because they are very
needy and truly do not have the money to buy breast pads or breast creams but
even then ,these gifts would never replace the one-on-one support and
encouragement that was needed.  Also, if you choose to do discharge packs you
have to be able to keep the program going year after year, affording certain
items, getting donations, having them put together and distributed properly.
 This is an extremely time consuming task for anyone and for what, so they
can throw it with the rest of the stuff they received from their MD's
offices, childbirth class, welcome wagon, baby stores, formula companies,
junk mail lists !

I think for the general population (moms who have more than enough material
things) a breastfeeding discharge pack is a waste of time and money and
should only be restricted to the low income population who could really use
the items enclosed.
I'd rather see the money and effort going towards what BF moms really
need...someone competent, they know they can call anytime for support and
assistance if nec.

All hospitals and birth centers should automatically give a breastfeeding
resource guide (which is relative to their area) to all mothers including a
discussion on how best to use it.

Sorry, I hope I have not offended anyone..I am just so sick and tired of the
commercialism and exploitation surrounding the marketing of new mothers and
babies and just don't want to see our profession getting "sucked in" with it.

Maria Parlapiano RN, IBCLC
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