Jessica has reminded us yet again about the ubiquitous formula company
discharge bags. When NABA conducted the US Code monitoring project we found
that this bag was one of the most potent and successful formula marketing
tools to be used in the US. It is so effective that it serves as an example
in marketing text books! Many hospitals have contracts with formula companies
that specify giving out these bags in exchange for free formula and cash.

There are a number of responses to this problem that a mother can choose.
Certainly a letter to the hospital would be appropriate. Send copies to the
preseident/CEO, chief of OB and chief of pediatrics, director of nursing, the
board of directors, the ethics committee, the risk management department,
your state department of public health's office that oversees hospital
licensure for a start. Remind them that just one bottle of cow's milk based
formula can provoke and allergy or diabetes in susceptible babies and how can
they justify spending money to pay nurses to give these out!

As a lactation professional you can also make an appointment with cutomer
service and return the diaper bag, registering a formal complain in person.
This is one reason why NABA will be conducting a Code training workshop in
May to help those who are interested in these issues learn how to be
proactive and reduce the commercial barriers to breastfeeding in this
country.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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