"one of our OB educators came to me today asking what
I'd think of having one of the formula reps come (at their request) and
give
a talk about how the nurses can help mothers to increase the longevity that
they breastfeed."

Betsy, last week I was deeply disturbed by an encounter that I had with a
formula rep for this very "purpose."  He was sitting in the staff
breakroom while I was finishing my lunch.  He had come in while I had
slipped into the staff bathroom. He was conversing with another staff
member, so I didn't even look his way because he is a very pushy person.
He informed me that he planned to coordinate with the nurse manager to
teach a breastfeeding inservice for the staff on some new breastfeeding
statistics.  I told him that I would speak to her about this, that I
provide the breastfeeding education and that I don't agree with him
educating the staff on breastfeeding.  Then he started questioning me
about what I tell the mothers about formula (funny how the conversation
quickly turned to formula).  I asked him what that had to do with
breastfeeding.  He told me that 70% of mothers quit breastfeeding. I told
him it was because of all of the heavy marketing, and he said that it is
because of going back to work.  I told him that I was trying to finish my
lunch and he told me that I was finished my lunch and that I was just
drinking.  I stopped talking to him and began taking some deep breaths to
keep my cool.  He then asked me if I wanted to put some alcohol in my
cup.  I told him that I don't drink, so he suggested camomille tea.  I was
furious!  I cannot believe the nerve of this guy.  This is the second time
that this man has done this to me.  He doesn't respect my boundaries.  I
notified my boss and the nurse manager about his harrassing behavior.


Tonight when I was talking to a nurse (who witnessed the event) about my
children, she informed me that someone else told her that I got upset
because I didn't have any children.  Of course it couldn't just be that
I'm a lactation consultant who upholds the ethics of my profession!!!


Joyce, RN, IBCLC

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