Dear Lactnetters,
    A neglected aspect in coverage of the influence of artificial baby milk companies on mothers through marketing has been the existence of company-run well-baby clinics or visiting nurse services to new mothers.  Such a service existed in Australian state capitals through the post-World War II period (sources: company booklets and Brisbane telephone directories, and interview material) and was run from the offices of a company.  The service bore the name of the product, not the company, suggesting the marketing aims.  A mother I interviewed was breastfeeding at the first visit (but not for long) and to this day does not know how the company nurse obtained her name, address and personal details.  The nurse's first act, while standing on her doorstep, was to put a "gift" of a Lactogen measuring scoop into her hand!  (This last point isn't in the articles, for lack of space.)
   It seems unlikely that this service was confined to Australia, since the company was a multinational one.  Does anyone have information on similar services in other Western countries?
    References are below.
          Virginia
          in sunny Brisbane

1. Thorley V. Softly, softly: how the Mothercraft Association of Queensland co-esisted wtih government policy, 1931-1961. Health & History 2001;3(2):80-93.  (on p. 84)
2. Thorley V. Volunteerism and government policy in infant welfare in Queensland, Australia, 1931-1961: working round the ban. International Journal of Self Help & Self Care 1999/2000;1(4):301-308. [in press]

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