Comments on: Nestle Answers: Can a formula company support breastfeeding?

By: Ruby

Ruby — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:02:18 +0000

Thank you for all the research you have done on this topic, I was very impressed that I linked this article to my home page.
I agree that formula companies are not the places to get breastfeeding help from. Were it not for the help of the lactation consultants and breastfeeding group that I joined I don’t think I would have been breastfed for as long as I did.
We need accurate information and formula companies are not the place to get it.

By: phdinparenting

phdinparenting — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:28:07 +0000

Even an IBCLC will refer you to a doctor regarding mastitis. When I got mastitis I kept seeing the IBCLC with regards to latch, maintaining supply, breast care, while seeing my family doctor for the antibiotics.

By: Candace

Candace — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:03:37 +0000

Yes, that raised a flag for me even though I don’t have the training you have.

By: Danielle Friedland aka That Danielle

Danielle Friedland aka That Danielle — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:43:13 +0000

It sounds like the person you spoke to wasn’t even clear on what she was able to discuss or not discuss.

Even a certified lactation counselor can’t give medical advice. We give breastfeeding advice and support and refer to doctors when there’s a concern about medical issues or medication. For example, if it looks like a mom might have mastitis, we need to refer to her physician.

By: Candace

Candace — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:07:27 +0000

When I called the line, I did give my number so the person with some lactation support training could get back to me–although I had to specifically insist that I needed to speak with someone who could provide breastfeeding support. She explained that she was not qualified to offer “medical” advice like a certified LC but could help with things like latch. I didn’t quite understand what she was able to discuss and what she could not. As you said, I get the feeling that the advice is generally accurate but not deep enough to help breastfeeding mothers in a meaningful way–similar to the print advice from formula companies.

By: Craphead (aka Mommy) :: Short answers and long answers :: November :: 2009

Craphead (aka Mommy) :: Short answers and long answers :: November :: 2009 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:53:36 +0000

[...] answer: Breastmilk is best. Even Nestle agrees (even if it is only a marketing gimmick and because they have to say [...]

By: toyfoto

toyfoto — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:02:07 +0000

I believe ALL advertisers should be held accountable for their product claims. I don’t think, however, showing people happily feeding their healthy, happy children formula is on the same level as people happily drinking in a bar or smoking a cigarettes.

The reason those ads are banned, in large part, is because of the people they reach are minors, not the general, legal-aged audience.

I still think education and not legislation is the best and most effective way to reach mothers. I think it’s already done wonders.

By: phdinparenting

phdinparenting — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:46:51 +0000

@toyfoto: I knew you weren’t comparing tobacco with formula and I am not either. But I do think the advertising and promotion tactics of formula companies and tobacco companies are similar.

By: toyfoto

toyfoto — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:13:50 +0000

When I compared the breastfeeding advice coming from formula companies with smoking cessation advice coming from tobacco companies earlier I was not likening formula to tobacco.

I do think that formula companies should be held accountable for medical benefits they claim, however I don’t think it’s a toxic substance nor should it be treated so by way of advertising.

By: tea4tamara

tea4tamara — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:02:46 +0000

Nestle could do a lot to help breastfeeding, and I think they could start by fixing their latest commercial. It starts off by saying that breastfeeding is best, but their formula is the next best thing. However, when they talk about breastfeeding, they show a women nursing her baby with her entire breast out of her shirt and exposed. The rest of the commercial then shows a women modestly dressed using a bottle to feed her child.

The nursing scene totally plays on the fears that some women have of exposing themselves, fears that make them too uncomfortable and self-conscious to enjoy nursing their babies.

You can see the image comparison on their site:
http://www.nestle-baby.ca/en/products/formula/index.htm

I don’t believe for a moment that Nestle is pro-breastfeeding. How could it be? Its a complete conflict of interest. So I’d always be suspicious of their breastfeeding support line, as I think most other people would be — what a bizarre marketing strategy.