>I agree with Jan. I didn't notice the ad, but it seems like it is, after all, just an ad, right? >Magda, if you're still feeling uncomfortable with this, look at it this way: Virtually *every* product in the JHL is advertised because the product may be of use to the readers. Would you feel the same way if the journal advertised a breast pump?< Well, irrationally I would -- and do -- feel uneasy about the pump ads (I sigh as I type cos I know youall disagree with me on this and I knew you would disagree with me about the scale). I have to say, this sounds similar to the arguement I hear that goes: 'We advertise our replacement feeding milks in professional journals because professionals need to have this information and it is a tool for them and it doesn't influence women.' Like replacement feeding milks, scales and pumps are tools. Like the milks, I would say there is a danger of their presence and use becoming normalised. I am not talking about Barbara Wilson-Clay's compromised babies, I am talking about everyday normal babies and life. I know you all disagree with me. But what about this for a proposition? Every area of practice needs a spread of views and opinions. I will sit here, in my position of scepticism about these artifacts, croaking away my refrain of caution, warning and unease. You may find it irritating, but if this 'voice' is lost, then I believe a texture to the entire field is also lost. I feel the same way about others who post here with their views on certain things. At times I think 'oh no, here we go again', but essentially we need a multi-dimensionsl understanding of what we are doing and we only obtain that by including all the fringes in our consideration. Re: the journal. As someone who had to go and get a money order in US dollars to subscribe (and that is not particularly cheap or easy) after years of seeing only a few reprints (becasue no library I know of subscribes) and *knowing* that a journal *devoted* to breastfeeding (well, I was mistaken there, 'cos it is devoted to lactation) existed somewhere in the world was in itself a powerful piece of knowledge, I stand by my first reaction of disappointment. I guess the pump ads weren't so much of a downer because I had expected them (living not so far from the outskirts of the real world as you might think!). Magda Sachs Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html