Congrats on new grandchild, Barbara :)


>The only observation that I have is that this hospital is part of 
>the larger university health care system in our town which has been 
>undergoing Baby Friendly certification application for a few years, 
>and has been publicizing that fact. The hospital bassinet cards were 
>courtesy of Mead Johnson with a full side of advertisements. And 
>upon discharge Stacy was given a breastfeeding gift bag courtesy of 
>Similac, filled with bottles, samples, etc. Baby Friendly ???


In the UK, Baby Friendly UK have a space on their website for 
observed violations of Baby Friendly  by units applying for or 
aquiring accreditation. They investigate on receipt of these. Maybe 
there is the same thing in the US?

It is disgraceful if a unit is getting positive publicity and PR on 
the back of Baby Friendly, and engaging in these two *very* *very* 
fundamental breaches.

There may be a contract with the formula manufacturers that has yet 
to expire. If so, the hospital should just keep quiet about 
certification, and of course give undertakings that the contract 
would not be renewed.

My understanding is that Baby Friendly certification would be 
impossible with advertising and 'gifting' of the sort you describe.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, tutor, UK
-- 
http://www.heatherwelford.co.uk

http://heatherwelford.posterous.com

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