There have been a number of postings and some private e-mail to me regarding
the purple striped bags being given to nurses by formula reps. These
practices stop only when we have the courage to stand up and work to change
this form of marketing. This tactic works beautifully to secure the support
of nurses in giving out formula-containing discharge packs. Some nurses
become very angry when it is suggested that the diaper bags are given for
marketing purposes to mothers, that they are not therapeutic, and that they
form a formula conduit from manufacturer to consumer with the hospital as the
huckster.

Many institutions have a policy on staff acceptance of gifts, called conflict
of interest. Check your hospital policy on conflict of interest and on the
marketing of products to patients by staff nurses. Ask your administration
and hospital attorney if it is legal for staff nurses to accept gifts from
formula companies in return for promoting their products to patients. If the
vendors come onto your floor do they have an appointment like they must have
to access other staff on other units? Check your hospital's vendor policy to
see if the formula reps are follwoing it. If they are not, then see that they
are held to it.

It is really time to confront this type of practice. Does your state
department of public health know that this is happening? Do they have any
concerns about paying extra money for sick babies because the hospital is
engaging in marketing products that increase the use of health care dollars?

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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