I think it is sometimes difficult to sort out the difference between 
the need or use of a product relative to how it is marketed. The Code 
does not prohibit us from using, selling, or talking about pumps, 
bottles, and nipples. Breast pumps are not covered by the Code. Our 
first duty is to the mothers and infants we serve. The Code aims to 
assure that marketing strategies from companies making or distributing 
products within the scope of the Code do not affect health 
professional's unequivocal support of breastfeeding nor persuade 
mothers that infant formula is equivalent to breastmilk. The Code works 
to protect breastfeeding from unfair competition from infant formula, 
bottles, and artificial nipples. Teaching about the use of breastpumps, 
bottles, and nipples in a class for mothers returning to work does not 
violate the Code. The Code specifies teaching mothers about the safe 
use of formula if it is necessary. What the Code aims to do is make 
sure that health care providers are not unduly influenced by industry 
such that there is a conflict of interest between unequivocal support 
of breastfeeding and the use of a product covered under the scope of 
the Code. Explaining how slow flow nipples work, mentioning the names 
of various brands, teaching how to use bottles is not prohibited by the 
Code. Marketing the products in a manner that implies the nipples are 
just like mother or a bottles works similar to the breast violates the 
Code. Stating facts about various products helps mothers decide which 
to use. Promoting the product covered under the Code is a violation.

Medela continues to market products covered by the Code - feeding 
bottles and nipples - in a manner that does not meet its obligations 
under the Code. Ameda and Evenflo both meet their obligations under the 
Code. Liz Brooks and I will be presenting a plenary session on Code 
issues at the ILCA conference in July.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Executive Director, National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy
The IBFAN organization that monitors the Code in the US

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

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