Question about formula reps and what they are allowed to do...

[1Plus2]

I teach a breastfeeding class once a month for an OB practice in MD. I go last after a nurse teaches childbirth and then infant CPR. Last month I found out that a formula rep comes in to speak to the patients/students during the childbirth class. So incredibly frustrating!! Today as I was beginning to start my class, the nurse who teaches the first two classes comes into the classroom wheeling a big cart with diaper bags and formula samples. She proceeds to hand them out to each student. I got to stand there while they all dug into their new "goodies". Needless to say, I was livid!! I NEED  to teach this class to supplement my income and I also love doing it. But I want to say something about what happened today. One of the couples stayed after today to ask questions and brought up the incident saying that they were confused by the whole thing and thought that it was not ok of the nurse to pass out those bags right before my class. They said they were planning to say something at their appointment on Monday. I hope they do.

My sister seems to think that a formula rep is the same thing as a drug rep (she use to work for a doctors office) and that because drug reps are not allowed to directly speak to patients that neither should the formula reps. Does anyone know if is true? I would LOVE to just shut down the whole thing!! The students who stayed after said it was literally like having to listen to a commercial during their class.

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions on how I should handle this??

[PatioGardener]

I'd approach the OB about it. She/he may not be aware of the formula handouts, or that formula samples sabotage breastfeeding. I think I'd approach it with a 'concern for the patients' approach - as the OB must want her/his patients to breastfeed for both their health and the health of their babies.

must run, baby fussing.

[Heba]

I don't know where MD is, so I don't know if the WHO code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes is law where you live, but under the Code formula manufacturers are NOT allowed to have direct contact with parents.  It DOES send mixed messages, and really does undermine the importance of breastfeeding.

I would bring it up.  Googling should give you more information on the importance of the Code and why formula manufacturers should not be advertising directly to parents if you want it to take to the OB.  Good luck - please do let us know how you get on. 

[Asiago]

Here is the Code for Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.

Two sections may be helpful.

page 10, section 5.2 of Article 5

page 13,  section 8.2 of Article 8

http://tinyurl.com/428gua8

[1Plus2]

I would guarantee that they know what is being handed out. They have samples in the "Welcome" bag they give to new patients. And of course all OB's and Ped's get kick backs if they advertise certain brands. Drives me insane!!!

Originally Posted by PatioGardener 

I'd approach the OB about it. She/he may not be aware of the formula handouts, or that formula samples sabotage breastfeeding. I think I'd approach it with a 'concern for the patients' approach - as the OB must want her/his patients to breastfeed for both their health and the health of their babies.

must run, baby fussing.

[1Plus2]

MD is Maryland... :)

 

Originally Posted by Heba 

I don't know where MD is, so I don't know if the WHO code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes is law where you live, but under the Code formula manufacturers are NOT allowed to have direct contact with parents.  It DOES send mixed messages, and really does undermine the importance of breastfeeding.

I would bring it up.  Googling should give you more information on the importance of the Code and why formula manufacturers should not be advertising directly to parents if you want it to take to the OB.  Good luck - please do let us know how you get on.