I took WHO Code training with Marsha Walker earlier this year. If the
letter from the AAP is accurate, then this book does not violate the
WHO Code, to my knowledge. The book would be under the category of
"educational materials." It will be distributed through the health
care system and won't carry the Similac logo or any ads for breast
milk substitutes. Under the provisions of the Code, formula companies
can put their company name and company logo (but not refer to
"proprietary products") on educational materials.

If the US had a governmental authority that monitored for the WHO
Code, then the book would have to be distributed at the request of
that governmental authority. But since we don't, that provision of
the Code doesn't apply.

Interesting developments, indeed!

Nancy Jo Bykowski, IBCLC in waiting
Lisle, Illinois, USA


The AAP wrote:

>In addition to the distribution methods described above, companies also
>purchase AAP peer-reviewed and credentialed information and distribute it to
>physicians and consumers. Ross Pediatrics has purchased a quantity of the New
>Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding to use in place of a breastfeeding booklet
>they had previously developed and distributed. It is our understanding that
>these books will be distributed by health care professionals in hospitals and
>pediatric offices to new mothers. As with other educational materials,
>hospitals can decide whether or not they want to distribute these books. The
>appearance of a company's name on the cover of a book indicates only that the
>book is a free copy given by the company. The Ross Pediatrics name only
>appears on the quantity of books purchased by Ross Pediatrics. No formula
>advertisement appears in any copies of this book.

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