I am a little behind on my posts so please forgive yet what I imagine will be
yet another comment on this subject.

IMHO, it seems that the ABM companies have looked deep into the new parent's
psyche.  In giving the ABM feeding mother a "gift," making her feel "special,"
it might create the illusion that if a "gift" were not given to the
Breastfeeding mother might she feel deprived, rejected or set apart from her
peers?  "Penalized for breastfeeding?"  They then come up with the
"Breastfeeding Discharge Pack" -- same bag, just no ABM (or maybe just a
little -- just in case...).  Of course the bag is plastered with the Company's
name and all the various brands of ABM they manufacture.  Coupons for all the
"gagets" that interfere with breastfeeding are quite intact.  And then there
is that cute little rabbit...

If funds or items were appropriated through donation, grants... (no strings
attached) for the purpose of giving breastfeeding mothers a discharge gift, a
gift that complemented not sabotaged the breastfeeding relationship, they
would possibly feel even more "special."  I personally would rather come home
with a coupon for dinner from a local eatery, a knit cap or a rattle, than a
can of ready-to-feed.  Then again, ABM has never darked in my doorway.  Oh,
well, it did dark but I gave it to my "just in case" ABM feeding sister-in-
law.  That was 16 years ago.  If it were today, I would have tossed it.

I agree that a "gift" to the new parents is unnecessary and a little
rediculous because they are bringing home the best gift of all!  Competing
with the ABM companies is not a comforting thought (and dollar for dollar
impossible) but we pretty much do it every day.  If gift packs are going to be
given out, I would like to see one that does NOT come from the ABM companies
but from the community.  Would this be a concept acceptable to the hospitals?
How would the ABM companies deal with this "invasion?"  We won't know until we
try (although I can make a pretty good guess :(

Linda Barrett, IBCLC, LLLL