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Date: | Wed, 10 Apr 1996 22:35:12 -0400 |
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Go ahead and give your talk! I think it would look much worse to back out
now. I would not change a single word of your talk. I would, however,
discuss Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and other national and
international programs that support breastfeeding. I'd definitely cover the
WHO guidelines for the marketing of breastmilk substitutes and point out the
insidious ways the formula companies present themselves. These are nurse
managers in managerial positions so point out their responsibility to their
employers to be in compliance with the WHO Code. Show them how they can help
their hosptial become breastfeeding friendly.
After the talk, I would send the talk coordinator information on the WHO code
and BFHI. Then I'd call her up and explain your concerns concisely and
unemotionally and mention you mailed her pertinent information. I'd also
offer to do the next talk with a different sponsor--even if it the hosptial
itself pays for your expenses.
I, too, have a similar dilemma. A large icky managed care company
co-sponsors my breastfeeding talk. The company recently made the cover of
TIME magazine for not covering a bone marrow transplant for a breast cancer
patient. They will not pay for LC services. They will not pay for a pump
rental for families with hospitalized preemies. I do not receive payment
for my talk, but I guess they pay for the electricity and the patient health
assistant's salary to unlock the doors for the attendees. It's an
uncomfortable situation. I don't like having my name linked with the
infamous company.
I do like being able to help the couples who come hear my talk. There are no
easy answers.
Elizabeth Novelo Puzar, IBCLC San Jose, California
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