What One member Can Do--Janet's Trip to the Doctor

Similac display at the
Albany Medical Clinic.

When I went to see my doctor at the Albany Medical Clinic I was surprised to find a display box filled with free Similac formula packets in a 5 page pamphlet extolling the virtues of Similac Advance -- Closer Than Ever to Breast Milk for babies 0-12 months sitting on the table in the waiting room. This pamphlet made the very claims that Ross was ordered not to make about their product by the courts in 1996. The baby change table outside the Baby Weigh Station had a similar display box with Isomil -- The Soy Solution formula samples free for the taking as well as several sample cans of Isomil. The change table was covered with a disposable changing cloth with "Isomil The Soy Solution Recommended By Canadian Physicians For Over 25 years" and "Similac Advance Closer Than Ever Before To Breastmilk" printed all over it in bright red and green lettering.

The WHO International Code clearly states:

• No advertising of these products to the public.
• No free samples to mothers.
• No promotion of products in health-care facilities.

When I brought these Code violations to the attention of my doctor, I was encouraged to complain to the Administrator of the Clinic. At my appointment the next day I took along INFACT resources on the Code (The Manufacturer's Guide and the Health Workers Guide to the Code) and ILCA's document on the hazards of formula and an INFACT newsletter with the Web site to provide education on the issue. I explained how these practices violated the WHO Code and how they undermine breastfeeding, the normal and healthy way to feed infants. I brought along the Health Canada posters for the clinic to post at the baby changing table that say "Breast Milk, Accept No Substitutes." And I also asked that the samples be removed. The manager said he would look into how these samples came to be displayed to the public and that they would not be removed until he researched the issue. He said "We are not in the business of promoting anything including your posters. We should take an unbiased position."

I received a very chilly non verbal message that the meeting was OVER.