In response to this post on a public forum:
This caught my attention on a few levels.
A) I AM a breastfeeding advocate
B) I AM participating in upcoming events that will be sponsored by formula companies
C) I AM a recently Certified Lactation Counselor that has to abide by a Code of Ethics
First- let’s comprehend what the word ADVOCATE means…
- This is me and Kelli of Birth Stories on Demand. I was nursing Zephyr while wandering around Parents Palooza in Atlanta. I look extra silly cuz she had just asked… “would it be weird if I nursed your baby?” LOL
NOUN: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
VERB: Publicly recommend or support: “they advocated breastfeeding for every child”.
Second- since this was posted by and commented on by fellow Lactation Professionals, let us now explore the Code of Ethics for each Certification represented
ORIGINAL POSTER: can you really call yourself a breastfeeding advocate of you participate in events that are sponsored by formula companies???
Comment #1: It might depend on the circumstances
Comment #2: as an IBCLC, I cannot.
Comment #3: Professionally, ethically (and my personal morals) would prevent me from doing that. However, I do know that some who work in hospital settings are not always given a choice as to what events they attend
Original Poster: I just can’t support an event that has a formula company as a sponsor. I’m not saying that formula is bad because it can save lives, I just think their marketing is um …. flawed.
Comment #5: If there is only a formula company at a large event and no breastfeeding advocates, then you really aren’t giving moms much of a choice are you? All they will see is formula formula formula. It seems a no brainer to me that you would want to be at the same events in order to educate those moms and mom to be’s that might not otherwise be exposed to the benefits of breast feeding.
Comment #6: Yes, because a person is not one thing or one event or one moment
Comment #7: As a pro-BF mom, I try to do my part to encourage it. But when I ended up needed to give my 2nd daughter formula, I understood a little more how the other side sees it. There really are times when it is necessary. Even LLL says that the goal is to nourish the baby.
So, we see here 2 IBCLC’s, the Original Poster is a CLE and I am a CLC (posting MY comment on THIS forum, instead 
)
The IBCLC Standards of Practice from International Lactation Consultant Association can be found here.
The CLC Code of Ethics from Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, Inc can be found here.
The CLE Code of Conduct from Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association can be found here.
Upon review, you should find that NO WHERE does it state that a Lactation Professional (whose ‘job’ is to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration based on WHO and UNICEF strategies) should ethically, morally or professionally prohibit themselves from participating in an event where there might or will be a formula company present. But the language can sometimes be confusing in those pesky Codes and Policies, etc…
Maybe by now you are wondering why I am so concerned with this ‘harmless’ question?
Well, I am participating in at least 2 upcoming events in the Atlanta area that will be sponsored by formula companies. So, I kinda took this as a personal affront to my professional ethics and personal morals. Since I am recently certified, I wanted to be certain that I was not indeed violating a professional policy (even though the idea seemed ridiculous). So, I called The Center for Breastfeeding (a major focus of The Healthy Children Project), who offered my training, to be sure. The woman that looked into this for me reviewed the Code of Ethics, checked with another colleague of hers and even checked on the IBCLC Standards of Practice to assure me that the only way this would be a conflict would be if one of us lactation professionals were to accept PAYMENT from a formula company for participation in an event. Now THAT makes sense! So, come on Lactation Professionals- join me at the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in May and the Baby Shower Expo with Dr. Oz in June! Tell them I sent you and let’s overpower the aforementioned um…flawed marketing tactics.
Still on the aspect of our professional responsibilities, let’s consider the 3 strategies needed for increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration as mentioned above …
1) Promotion- focuses on advantages of breastfeeding on a personal, community, state or global level
Where better to PROMOTE the advantages of breastfeeding that at the local maternity, baby and child expo? Of course, this is along with other promotional opportunities- but, specific to this post.
photo by Andie Freeman Photography... Marlowe at 1 year
2) Protection- Focuses on governmental, manufacturer, and social responsibility to assure breastfeeding’s ability to compete with commercial interests
Includes addressing improper marketing practices as described in the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
I know that I have personally, before and after becoming a lactation professional, participated in 2 local Atlanta events to force the government to protect a breastfeeding woman’s rights. Last year, there was the Forest Park Nurse In and just last Monday there was the Georgia Statewide Nurse In. PS- I Googled ‘creative ways to dispose of formula samples’ and got a big fat goose egg, but I did see 6 (SIX!) links for free formula samples. Anyone got any good ideas?
I don't want to eat under a blanket
I don't want to eat in the bathroom
3) Support- Focuses on the interaction of helpers with family as well as program development and implementation
Letting women know how to find support and education locally is crucial to achieving their goals in breastfeeding. You can find some local resources on my website.
the family that nurses together... photo by EarlyGirl Photography
So, YES! since I have breastfed both of my kids anytime, anywhere and encourage all Mamas to do the same, since I drive around with a Breastfeeding for All bumper sticker and Breastfed Baby on Board decal, since I am a member of the Community Breastfeeding Coalition in Athens, since I plan to educate families and allow them to have informed consent regarding infant feeding practices, I CAN call myself a breastfeeding advocate AND I can participate in events that are being sponsored by formula companies BECAUSE I am there for the greater good of promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding initiation and duration! Thanks for asking
As I sit writing and rereading and digesting all this, I begin to wonder… should you call yourself a hypocrite if you are a breastfeeding advocate, yet use formula? Hmmm. That will wait for another day.
Thoughts?
Abigail Elaine was born on Christmas Eve at 4:27 AM. I had some mild cramping all day on the 23rd, and finally called Beth and Rachel over around 11:00 that night because I was feeling pressure waves around every 5 minutes regularly by then. I listened to the Hypnobabies CD’s and it helped a lot although I wouldn’t call it pain free. *** Instructor’s Note- this is OK, because while not every woman’s experience using Hypnobabies IS pain free nearly every Mom considers it have been more calm and relaxed. Our main goal is for an easier and more comfortable childbirth than might be possible without the wonderful techniques and information learned in the program ***It was more of a good distraction and something to focus on rather than what my body was experiencing. I had no sense of time, but after what seemed like a couple of hours, my pool was finally filled and ready to get into. The Hypnobabies CD’s didn’t work as well once I was in the water because I couldn’t get comfortable with the headphones on in the water, but I did stay in my special place as much as possible. After being in the pool for about an hour, I was checked by Rachel for dialation and I was at 8 centemeters. Another hour or so passed, and then I couldn’t resist the urge to push, and did for several times while I was on my hands/knees. I had the pushing baby out CD on, but I was really listening to my mother-in-law who was calmly being very supportive and talking me thru each wave.
