I have a Lactnet shame-shame for Proctor and Gamble.  They are
distributing an ad in First Moments Expectant Parents Kits (prenatal
class advertising/sample packages) that promotes bottle feeding.  The
cover of the ad folder shows lots of nice clean baby bottles, some of
which contain a white fluid.  The text reads "This is one bottle a new
mom shouldn't do without..."  The inside of the folder contains more
bottles, and one bottle of Ultra Ivory dishwashing liquid, along with
claims that it leaves mom's hands soft enough to "feel good about
touching your baby's soft skin".  There are two lovely insets of a moms
and baby interacting, one en-face, the other with baby asleep on mom's
upper chest, which would have made the point beautifully without the
bottles.
        Proctor and Gamble's Ultra Ivory Liquid-Consumer Relations phone
number is (800) 253-2756, should anyone wish to register an opinion on
this latest promotion of bottlefeeding.
        When I called, I mentioned some of the benefits of breastfeeding,
and the concern that this ad reinforces the societal notion that bottles
are a neccessary part of mothering, thereby undermining breastfeeding.  I
also said that I could not distribute this flyer to my pregnant clients.
 The representative was very cordial and said that she would present my
concerns to the advertising dept.
Lets go, Lactnetters!
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]