Dear Lactneter's

I've been following your posts on formula bags with much interest. My
interest stems from the fact that it seems to be quite cross cultural that
women who have just given birth and received the best gift they could wish
for (ok, well the vast majority then) can still be 'bought' with free
garbage? Are they so dissatisfied with a new baby that they need freebies to
keep them going insane?  I've seen mothers on their way out of the hospital
clinging on to some inane fluffy toy while the baby is wheeled out in a pram
or car-seat pram.

Here in The Netherlands formula samples are not allowed (although that
doesn't stop the leaflets etc) but you do get handed a box of stuff
(toothpaste, shower gel, plastic bowl from the dairy industry (!) insurance
advertisments and whatever else someone can think of to give away). I've
received one myself last year and promptly refused it. The word went around
the nursing staff that the crazy English woman had refused 'the box' as two
other nurses came to ask why! I tried to explain (like I should be
explaining my rash behaviour?) that the only gift I needed was my new
daughter - drew some blank faces.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to instil in mothers (and fathers of course)
that the only thing they need to take home is their baby? A very naive
thought in todays world maybe, but it would negate the necessary conflicts
with LC's and the spineless wonders who insist on formula bags!

groetjes

Sara Bernard, The Netherlands
(ps this mail sounds like I'm little miss perfect, I'm not, although
nearly!)

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