We must never forget that formula companies make money when breastfeeding
fails and they have a lot to gain if they can gain the support of the
breastfeeding community for their product (a breastfeeding brochure) even if
the brochure is anti-formula and wonderful breastfeeding information, by
accepting it we are giving the message that this company is to be trusted
for valuable information. Remember that they use clever marketing strategies
that are clearly designed to sell their products and put money in their
pockets. No matter how "good" the brochures are, there is a clear conflict
of interest. Also, don't forget that the hospital doesn't get these for
"free", they share the names and addresses of mothers receiving these gifts
so that the companies can market their products directly to them.  For
example, a new strategy is to send a packet of "hand clipped coupons" for
diapers, wipes and formula with a hand written note, "I thought you might
need these. Love, D." Looks like it is from a friend, but sometimes the
friend forgets and adds her accurate ABM sales representative return address
(oops).  In our community they are only sent to breastfeeding mothers.
Anyway, my point is no hospital or health care provider should accept or use
fromula company breastfeeding literature- no matter how good it is nor how
good it appears to be and as breastfeeding professionals we must remember
that when we support their literature we support them!!!  Cathy Liles