I'm not an LC but am another that feels very uncomfortable with the idea of
the conference sponsorship by companies that clearly have a vested interest
in women not breastfeeding (although they may have products that
breastfeeding women use). I also think that this *is* important to talk
about. There have been comments posted to Lactnet along the lines of
suggesting that lactation professionals need to know about these products
because women use them (and they might also be useful tools to the LC). But
let there be no confusion, those companies had their stands there and
sponsored the conference for two reasons, 1) networking and building warm
fuzzies with lactation professionals and 2) to market their product, to
sell, to make money. They had no altruistic idea of helping LCs to do their
job better or to help 'educate' them. Someone mentioned that LCs might want
to read Gary Ezzo's writing and thus by buying his books help support him.
Well heck, why not give him a table at conferences, that way you can go
right to the source and ask the man himself! Facetious I know but surely the
story he has to sell is no more insidious than some of the companies
mentioned. What is the difference between what has been described at ICLA
and what is often condemned on Lactnet as happening with other health
professional organisations.

If there really is such a great need for LCs to know all about these
products surely somewhere there is someone who knows about breastfeeding who
has an interest in BF gadgets and pumps etc who can help provide an
opportunity at such conferences to learn about these products. Much like
Valerie keeps an eye on the vested interest in genetically engineering of
human milk conponents. It is much better to hear her than to go to Martek
for instance don't you think? The manufacturers, with their vested interest
are not the ones to listen to. And yes, I find myself confused about what to
think about the liason between Medela and research at UWA. I just don't
know.

I support entirely the posts that have suggested that ICLA needs support.
And I can't wait to hear the speakers at the ICLA conference in Sydney next
year!!!

Karleen Gribble
Australia

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