<Whether or not doctors receive gifts is beside the point. Formula manufacturers and drug companies know that receiving a sample from a doctor or hospital will create brand loyalty for the typical consumer. "My doctor gave me this brand, so it must be best." New mothers are in a fragile emotional state, and perhaps desperate during feeding problems.> I would hazard a guess that 90% of mothers whose babies have needed formula supplementation during a visit (and didn't have anything of their own) ask me if that's the formula they should purchase should they need to continue to supplement at home. Even though I tell them that this is just what I happen to have on hand, I'm fairly certain that they'll go out and purchase that same brand. Kind of galling, but a reality. Mary Wagner-Davis, MS, MFT, IBCLC, LLL Roseville, CA *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome