A couple of thoughts come to mind regarding the question of whether a
hospital on the path to Baby friendly should provide products from a Code
violating company. First of all, the products mentioned for the employee
pumping room can easily be PURCHASED from other businesses that are Code
compliant. Using products from Code violators rewards companies for poor
corporate behavior and enables them to continue violating the Code while
making a profit. Educational materials can easily be created by the staff
IBCLCs. That's what they are there for. Educational materials from pump
companies will market their brand of pump which may or may not be the best
choice for mothers. Hospitals should not be in the business of marketing
pricey products to vulnerable patients.

I am always dismayed to see how when a hospital maternity unit needs or
wants breastfeeding equipment or materials, it so easily falls into the
trap of asking the manufacturer of the most heavily marketed products for
freebies and materials, even though there may be better choices available
elsewhere that are also from companies who meet their obligations under the
Code. The supplies that were mentioned for the employee pumping room should
be purchased through regular channels from a Code compliant company that
provides the best product for the situation. Educational materials abound
and can easily be created on site.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome