We must encourage all of our wonderful supporters in the hospital settings to strongly resist this ploy. It gives the ABM companies direct access to every breastfeeding mother who buys a pump. Please, please, please, work within your institutions to stop the gift packages from the formula companies. ANYTHING they include has had careful marketing research done on it. They ONLY choose to give away items they know will bring them customers and business. "They are not Bishops, but Businessmen" ( not my quote.) Lets brainstorm on LACTNET about ways to eliminate the ABM companies gift packages AND how to provide substitutes. I am anxiously awaiting Marsha Walkers information on "Ridding your institution of formula company gift packs." I will be happy to keep the list of suggestions posted and compile them for the next few days as I did for the "names people call us". Ideas can be for items to give in a gift pack and/or ways to fund or provide such a gift to moms. They don't have to be completely non-commercial--just in compliance with the WHO code. Here are my ideas so far: Get the ladies auxiliary, volunteers, at the hospital involved Get other civic groups involved as their community project (I would like more examples) knit little hats or booties for the babies Make and give a homemade simple baby sling from pillow cases or fabric Bra pads Acceptable breast cream--purified lanolin Information booklet on breastfeeding A breastfeeding video -- expensive, how would we fund it? Information sheets on early breastfeeding Support group information Resource list for local breastfeeding information and help A breast pump without any ABM literature or promotions attached Coupon or rebates from local businesses for: a baby portrait from a photographer a video rental fast food a nursing bra a lactation consult a baby massage class a consignment shop that carries baby items a baby sling or soft type carrier For every negative thing we face we need to come up with positive alternatives. E-mail Lactnet or me privately and I'll post all the etries. Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC Lynchburg, VA