Dear Lactnetters, It's Nurse's week and the formula companies have been to the hospitals giving gifts to nurses. Yesterday the guy gave away big fancy water bottles to all the nurses and left a bunch for the night staff. I am an LC (and an RN) on OB and I finally couldn't keep my mouth shut and felt it was my duty after all- I approached the group of nurses and the sales rep. handing out the bottles and said something about getting free advertising for the formula company. It did not go over well and they poo-pooed me. Later that same day... we nurses were at the desk and I brought it up again (I do try to be tactful) and for the next 1/2 hr. we had quite a discussion about bottlefeeding vs. breastfeeding. It got a bit heated, and I felt intimidated - the issue of guilt was brought up numerous times by the nurses. It is such a volitile, personal issue for women! Two nurses helped me out but we were quite outnumbered by nurses who actually believe abm and breastmilk are identical and supplementing is helpful for that exhausted new mom. Oh, I could go on but you get the point. It is fortunate that I job share with 2 other LCs so we could commiserate. The abm companies are so devious, it makes me sick. I would like to comment that occas. the sales reps. bring food like Elisa Hirsh mentioned. Good for you, Elisha, It's the principal. Also, all this talk about differences in LCs and RNs and hours is interesting but somewhat devisive- We are all in this to support moms who want to breastfeed and to educate- I think Anne Altshuler does not need to apologize to anyone, she was articulate and made sense. I don't want to feel like I need to apologize or explain my educational or experiential background- but I'm 45, so that's gotta count for something! Thanks for your support. Pam Capetta RN ICCE IBCLC former LLLL,APL & mom of 4. from chilly Hermon, Maine. Bob Capetta Hermon, Maine RR1 Box 2341 Carmel ME 04419