Deena-Regarding your post on the "eye-opening" experience with the formula
co. rep-it happens all the time.  I have managed a nursery for over 13 years.
 I know my formula co. reps as well as anybody.  I do not, as some LCs do,
avoid them or belittle them, or refuse to talk to them.  I am keenly aware
that there are times I need ABM when I have no breastfeeding mom.  They do,
however, know exactly where I stand.  They give me their sales pitch.  I tell
them where to correct their information, refuse to give out their discharge
packs and sales propaganda, and tell them how sorry I am that their bottom
line is not good enough (ha).  We still have a decent business relationship
as needed.  Although I can't see why someone would want to work for a
pharmaceutical company which markets ABM against the WHO code, etc., I
realize this guy may need the job, and I try to educate him/her better.
(Can't understand why anyone would want to sell used cars, either) . I do
know that it is a SUPREMELY competetive business (read $$$$$). The power  of
the companies is enormous, and they can cause huge roadblocks to many or our
goals, such as the Global BFHI. Much of the difficulty stems from the lack of
support by persons who have some measure of power or influence, such as
physicians, and administrators, who are so poorly informed on the issues
involved. Every physician like you who joins the force behind breastfeeding
is a step forward. Keep talking to your colleagues! We hear you :)

Denise Mollenkopf, RNC, IBCLC
Florida