Lactivism needed Canada!

[Stargirl]

I am outraged to learn that Nestlé Nutrition is co-sponsoring the 1st Annual Canadian Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference with Alberta Health Services. My husband's comment was that having Nestle fund a Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference is akin to having the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company sponsor a Lung Cancer conference.

Please help by sending a letter as outlined here:
http://www.infactcanada.ca/whatsnew/...sept-2009.html

Many thanks!

[mamabadger]

I'll be writing.

Originally Posted by Stargirl

My husband's comment was that having Nestle fund a Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference is akin to having the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company sponsor a Lung Cancer conference.

Exactly. It's shocking that health professionals would go along with it.

The company recently launched a deceptive marketing campaign claiming that probiotics added to its formula will mimic the bifidus factor of human milk. It is no coincidence that one of the conference’s themes will be probiotics in infant nutrition.

No coincidence at all. I'm furious that our pediatricians are being spoon-fed propaganda by the likes of Nestle.

[MaryJaneLouise]

[Callimom]

Thanks for the heads up
I've sent the letter and forwarded it to some friends
Karen

[Stargirl]

Thanks Mamas!!!

[pumpkinhead]

Actually and unfortunately, this is pretty common. Nestle regularly sponsers or cosponsers breastfeeding workshops in Canada. In fact, most hospitals still have formula contracts, even those attempting to attain "Baby Friendly" status.

[Sydly]

I'm in!!!

[MountainMamaGC]

I emailed a letter of disapproval.

[Stargirl]

Thanks for the support everyone!

[Hesperia]

I'm in too!

[Hesperia]

And tweet'd!

[annie_noah]

I wrote and spread the word on twitter too!

[jaclyn7]

Will be sending a letter this afternoon, thanks!

[Stargirl]

Update

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your support on this issue. While no one replied regarding my concerns about the sponsors, I did get this e-mail today.

The 1st Annual Canadian Perinatal & Pediatric Nutrition Conference scheduled for September 25-26, 2009 in Edmonton Alberta has been cancelled.

With the move to united programming within Alberta Health Services, a number of programs, including AHS-sponsored conferences, have been cancelled this year while we complete an assessment of staff educational needs. Unfortunately, the Perinatal & Pediatric Nutrition Conference is on this list.

________________________
Alice Richmond, CNM, CFE
Admin Support
NFS Education & Development
Alberta Health Services
Suite 600, Capital Health Centre, North Tower
10030 - 107 Street
Edmonton AB T5J 3E4
tel: [phone] fax: [phone]

Usual Office Days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

"Making It Easy To Eat For Health"

Alberta Health Services

[MaryJaneLouise]

Well, it's too bad if a good conference was cancelled.
But it would be a if a BAD conference was cancelled!

It does sound like your work was noticed.

[annie_noah]

I think it is too bad that it was cancelled, but I do think it is better that it was cancelled if there is no other way to fund it than with corporate sponsorships from companies like Nestle.

IMO, lack of education is better than misinformation. Neither is great, but if I have to choose an evil...

[Hesperia]

Originally Posted by annie_noah

I think it is too bad that it was cancelled, but I do think it is better that it was cancelled if there is no other way to fund it than with corporate sponsorships from companies like Nestle.

Agree!