We must encourage all of our wonderful supporters in the hospital settings to
strongly resist this ploy.  It gives the ABM companies direct access to every
breastfeeding mother who buys a pump.

Please, please, please, work within your institutions to stop the gift
packages from the formula companies.  ANYTHING they include has had careful
marketing research done on it.  They ONLY choose to give away items they know
will bring them customers and business.  "They are not Bishops, but
Businessmen" ( not my quote.)

Lets brainstorm on LACTNET about ways to eliminate the ABM companies gift
packages AND how to provide substitutes.  I am anxiously awaiting Marsha
Walkers information on "Ridding your institution of formula company gift
packs."

I will be happy to keep the list of suggestions posted and compile them for
the next few days as I did for the "names people call us".   Ideas can be for
items to give in a gift pack and/or ways to fund or provide such a gift to
moms. They don't have to be completely non-commercial--just in compliance
with the WHO code.  Here are my ideas so far:

Get the ladies auxiliary, volunteers, at the hospital involved
Get other civic groups involved as their community project (I would like more
examples)
knit little hats or booties for the babies
Make and give a homemade simple baby sling from pillow cases or fabric
Bra pads
Acceptable breast cream--purified lanolin
Information booklet on breastfeeding
A breastfeeding video -- expensive, how would we fund it?
Information sheets on early breastfeeding
Support group information
Resource list for local breastfeeding information and help
A breast pump without any ABM literature or promotions attached
Coupon or rebates from local businesses for:
     a baby portrait from a photographer
     a video rental
     fast food
     a nursing bra
     a lactation consult
     a baby massage class
     a consignment shop that carries baby items
     a baby sling or soft type carrier

For every negative thing we face we need to come up with positive
alternatives.
E-mail Lactnet or me privately and I'll post all the etries.

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA