Speakers connected to breastfeeding who speak at a conference sponsored by an artificial baby milk company cleanse the company's image, facilitate and justify the promotion of their product. The message that the audience receives when they note that an artificial baby milk company sponsored an apparently well rounded spectrum of speakers, is that they are scientific and health conscience.  "Look they presented all sides. They even had a lactation consultant ! I can trust them!" 
 
It has been suggested that one might speak at such a conference if one states that they object to the marketing techniques of artificial baby milk companies or similar comments.  However, any objections that you might write or state verbally might be heard by those who are interested, but for the most part this message will not be internalized by many of the participants.  Some might even view the speaker's behavior as ridiculous, out of place and lacking in professionalism.  This behavior might even strengthen the myth that professionals who advocate for the natural developmental behavior of nursing, are radical and eccentric. 

Look at it from the participants' perspective. They might perceive that the speaker is biting the hand that fed them, so to speak. This goes for speakers who speak for free or are not paid directly by the company. The participants likely do not pay attention to this little detail. Why should they? 

Think about the "Ginger Bread Cottage" theory. Why help them sell a product!   

Keren Epstein-Gilboa MEd BScN RN FACCE LCCE IBCLC
PhD (Candidate)  

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