This isn't exactly how I envisioned introducing myself. My name is
Donna, I live in sunny Vancouver, two daughters, Robin 5, Margaret 2
1/2, and I'm in the LLL leader application process. I don't know if
Lactnet is the appropriate forum for this but here goes. (I tried sending this once
but it didn't seem to go, if this is a repeat, my apologies)

I couldn't resist.  I see ads in our local paper offering an evening
learning about infant nutrition, sponsered by our friends at a major
Canadian ABM company. I went with my LLL leader friend and we were not
surprised at the content. Subjects discussed were breastfeeding,
mother's nutrition, weaning, formula preparation, allergies, and
starting solids.

Some information was totally wrong, some very misleading, some not bad.
The overall impression was paying lip service to bf but formula was ok
too.  Some of the suggestions would definitely lead to bf problems.
A woman pregnant for the first time may think these suggestions were
perfectly reasonable, not having a cynical view of anything an ABM
company would say about breastfeeding.

Some of the highlights include:
 *after one month the milk production will stay the same
 *feed one side 10-15 minutes then switch to other to encourage baby to
  get a full feed and stretch out feedings, the idea being not to
  be used as a pacifier
 *after explaining difference between schedule and demand feeding
  says ok to use whatever method the mother is comfortable with
 *Have to supplement with Vit D (not much sun in Vancouver, BC ya know)
 *some antibiotics may get passed on to baby, may have to discontinue bf
  temporarily, easy to resume
 *mother needs 1200 mg calcium daily, drink 3-4 cups milk
 *start a bottle after 1-2 months because it will be more
  difficult after when (not if) you wean to go back to work,
  expressed milk needs to be used within 24 hrs from a fridge
 *fat and protein profile in their ABM is same as bm
 *usual mainstream solid introduction ie cereal for iron, veg, fruits,
  meat by 6 months, family diet by 9 months
 *mother asked about feeding triplets, was told may not have
  enough milk, could rotate bf among 3 babies and supplement them
  the rest of the time so each baby would get both bm and formula in
  the course of the day (isn't this just asking for nipple confusion?)

Pretty depressing to think of how to combat this.  Who would I write to?
I guess express my thoughts to my MP and MLA and Minster of health at
the provincial and federal levels. Any suggestions?

Donna Hansen
Burnaby, BC (where the daffodils have almost finished blooming)