I birthed all five of our children in the same hospital. Way back in the late
seventies, the only "gift" we were given was the sample of abm (2 little cans
of ready to feed with a bottle). With the second, it was the same.  By the
third, a rattle was added in with the abm (took the colorful J&- rattle and
left the rest) With number 4, again it was a sample of ABM.

By baby number 5, the abm was in a lovely little quilted bag with Peter
Rabbit and friends on it - but - the hospital now sent home some items both
for the baby and the older children. The baby got a little pink and blue
stocking cap.  We got a bib proclaiming "Miracles are born at (Name of
facility)", a button in pink (for our daughter) proclaiming the same. Then
for the children at home, buttons proclaiming them "New Big Brother (or
Sister)" - These were truly a hit with my older ones to wear to school!

I don't know if I'd say they are getting it right yet, but I think they are
on the right track. While I never expected gifts (and never considered the
formula packs as anything but an attempt to undermine breastfeeding) it was a
lovely touch to have a little something special for not just our baby, but
our older children as well.

Sheila Angalet
LLL-NJ