All:

I've been following the discussion about Abbott and their efforts to
reach women online with great interest - I think it is incredibly
important that we work on this issue.

As a LLL leader and as someone who works with new and expectant moms
in other capacities (mostly as a doula) I see an increasing number of
women getting their health information first and foremost from the
internet.  This can be from an "expert source" (we hope like KellyMom
- or we fear like Abbott) or from other moms through social media
outlets.  I just read last night some research from Pew showing that
people search out and trust information on line *more* than they
access information from their doctor or health care provider.

The peer-to-peer information sources are growing fast, as well.  I
spend a bit of time on twitter and I have to say it is amazing the
support women give each other - sometimes it feels a bit like one big
LLL meeting!  But what is missing (for the most part) are the
breastfeeding experts - you all! - helping to shape the conversations
a bit.

What I take away from the Abbott situation is that there are two
potential strategies - one is to try to stop Abbott from what they are
doing.  Not a bad strategy, and one I'd get behind and help with.  But
as soon as Abbott is gone, I'm guessing the next formula company will
pop right up.

I think the real key is to get out there *ourselves* as much as
possible and fill the void on the internet with good, evidence-based
information.  Use KellyMom as an example!  Have great websites, or
contribute articles and content to others (having good "links" is part
of what bumps you up on the rankings on google).  Learn how to do
search engine optimization so that no matter where you are, when you
type in "breastfeeding help", you get the accurate info, not the stuff
driven by marketing dollars.  Those of us who *do* have marketing
budgets - lets buy our own Google ads.  Get out there on Facebook
(there's some great examples already - ABM, Kathleen Kendall Tackett,
Kathy Abbott come to mind).  Cruise around Twitter and spread around
your breastfeeding knowledge!

Ok, hopping off my social media soap box (at least for now - it is one
of my favorite boxes :)

Jeanette

****************
Jeanette McCulloch
LLL (Ithaca, NY)
Director, Birthways (Chicago, IL) www.birthwaysinc.com

             ***********************************************

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