I think the policies need to be inforced.  We became a certified baby-friendly institution in 1998. Four five years I had tolked to the formula representatives about their behavior on the floor.  Our Nursing Director had a meeting with them and went over our guidelines.  They were not to come to any of the floors without an appointment through our Purchasing Department.  They also were not to send or give free formula to our staff.  No pens,paper, pencils, gifts or any items with their logo could be given out to the staff or patients.  Our staff was sad at first because rain or shine one representive brought them doughnuts for 10 years on Mondays.  In the last 3 years the staff has gotten over the Monday morning gifts and lost some added weight. :)  But I must say it is a never ending battle to always watch for any of their feebies to infest our units again.  Recently some of the nurses were wearing Name badge holders from one company with a teddy bear (logo) on it.  It said the ____ company on it.   We not only asked the rep not to give out any more but went to the expense to buy new ones with our hospital name on it for all staff to be given out during nurses week coming up.
Don't get discouraged,  just be vigulant.
Janet Tolley RNC,BAN, IBCLC
St.John's Hospital

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