Discharge packs---one of my favorite topics! Giving out formula-containing
discharge packs is generally a condition that a hospital meets in order to
get the free formula, services, equipment, and cash that ABM companies use to
market their products. Hospitals frequently have a contract with a formula
company which specifies that these packs be given to breastfeeding mothers.

Discharge packs are a form of marketing which is why the WHO Code discourages
the practice. The US endorsed the Code in 1994, but has passed no legislation
or regulations to support it.

You can help get rid of discharge packs if you learn to use the system. I
have created a handout called "Ridding Your Institution of Infant Formula." I
am happy to share it with all of you. Just send a self-addressed stamped
business sized envelope. You are free to photocopy it and pass it around-
just keep the copyright line on it.

Hospitals do a good job of marketing formula. On no other unit do you see
staff marketing products to patients. Most hospitals have regulations about
this. I have never seen a nurse try to sell me Tupperware on a surgical unit.
When you visited someone who had a heart attack did a resident in the cardiac
unit give you or the patient coupons for potato chips?

Sticking a breast pump in a discharge pack is still advertising. The formula
company has its logo, coupons, literature, and samples plastered all over,
in, and around the pack. This is called brand recognition. If you can get a
sample in the consumer's hand, she is much more likely to buy it when she
sees it again in the store because she recognizes it. And besides, the
hospital gave it to her so it must be the best for her baby. If hospitals
spent more time and effort supporting breastfeeding, the managed care people
would save a bundle of money on the breastfed babies and might be more
willing to give hospitals increased reimbursements for their services. It is
just so much easier however,to accept a check for $100,000, go to sporting
events, and on trips, then it is to do the right thing.

Marsha Walker
254 Conant Rd
Weston, MA 02193
617 893-3553
Fax 617 893-8608
e-mail: [log in to unmask]