So -- when a bottle works LESS like a breast or MORE like a breast - we can't discuss that aspect either?   

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 8:25 AM
Subject: Code issues and return to work

I think it is sometimes difficult to sort out the difference between the need or use of a product relative to how it is marketed. The Code does not prohibit us from using, selling, or talking about pumps, bottles, and nipples. Breast pumps are not covered by the Code. Our first duty is to the mothers and infants we serve. The Code aims to assure that marketing strategies from companies making or distributing products within the scope of the Code do not affect health professional's unequivocal support of breastfeeding nor persuade mothers that infant formula is equivalent to breastmilk. The Code works to protect breastfeeding from unfair competition from infant formula, bottles, and artificial nipples. Teaching about the use of breastpumps, bottles, and nipples in a class for mothers returning to work does not violate the Code. The Code specifies teaching mothers about the safe use of formula if it is necessary. What the Code aims to do is make sure that health care providers are not unduly influenced by industry such that there is a conflict of interest between unequivocal support of breastfeeding and the use of a product covered under the scope of the Code. Explaining how slow flow nipples work, mentioning the names of various brands, teaching how to use bottles is not prohibited by the Code. Marketing the products in a manner that implies the nipples are just like mother or a bottles works similar to the breast violates the Code. Stating facts about various products helps mothers decide which to use. Promoting the product covered under the Code is a violation.

Medela continues to market products covered by the Code - feeding bottles and nipples - in a manner that does not meet its obligations under the Code. Ameda and Evenflo both meet their obligations under the Code. Liz Brooks and I will be presenting a plenary session on Code issues at the ILCA conference in July.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Executive Director, National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy The IBFAN organization that monitors the Code in the US

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