Breastfeeding New Year’s Resolutions

So it’s that time of year when we look back at the year that has flown by and see if we accomplished the goals, or resolutions we set out for ourselves. This year I’m going to ask all of you who are pregnant or breastfeeding to perhaps set a different type of resolution. “Breastfeeding Resolutions”

If you are pregnant plan on breastfeeding your baby.

I often hear the words “I’m going to try and breastfeed”. When I hear this I often think of the words on my favourite LuLulemon clothing bag: “Successful people replace the words wish, should and try with I will”. With that being said many moms will need support to meet their breastfeeding goals.

Prenatally is the perfect time to assemble your breastfeeding support team.
• I recommend moms attend at least one La Leche League meeting while pregnant. La Leche League is an international mother to mother support network. You can find a meeting close to you by clicking on this link: http://www.lllc.ca/
• Also talk to women you know who have breastfed or are currently breastfeeding.
• Read some books on breastfeeding. One of my favourites is “The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning” by Martha Sears R.N. & Dr. William Sears M.D.
• The internet is full of breastfeeding information. Some sites with evidence based information and others not. You can check out a whole list of useful breastfeeding web pages on my website at http://multiplereasons.com/links.html If you find others that you like, let me know!
• Enrol in prenatal classes, preferably one that has an entire class devoted to breastfeeding. You can find a Canadian Certified Childbirth Educator by checking out CAPPA Canada’s webpage at http://www.cappacanada.ca/ or by calling your local Public Health Department. Most Public Health Departments offer FREE prenatal classes and the information is mandated by the Ministry of Health, so is accurate & up to date.
• Finally if you have a history of any medical conditions (diabetes, PCOS, infertility, prior breast or chest surgeries, etc) a prenatal breastfeeding consultation with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) would be recommended. Check out my prenatal Breastfeeding questionnaire that can be found on my webpage for more information. http://multiplereasons.com/services.html#4th


Become a Peer Supporter
• If you are breastfeeding or have breastfed for a minimum of 6 months and want to help other breastfeeding moms consider providing peer support. The Halton Breastfeeding Connection is a volunteer program that provides mother to-mother telephone support for expectant or breastfeeding mothers. They are always in need of volunteers. You can find out more about the program at this link: http://www.halton.ca/health/services/baby_parent/halton_breastfeeding_connection.htm

Support Organizations & Businesses that support Breastfeeding

• There are many businesses & organizations that support breastfeeding and adhere to the World Health Organizations (WHO) international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes. Don’t know what this is? You’re not alone. You can find out what the WHO code is and why it is so important at INFACT Canada’s webpage: http://www.infactcanada.ca/Int_Code_TOC.htm

For a list of businesses in the Halton Region that support Breastfeeding please check the Halton Baby Friendly Initiative (HBFI) webpage for a listing. http://www.babyfriendlyhalton.ca/babyfriendly_places.html

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy 2010!
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE,IBCLC
Multiple Reasons Lactation Support Services
http://www.multiplereasons.com/

Breastfeeding and the Holidays

Breastfeeding and the holidays

So it’s that season again when most moms are busy with shopping, decorating, baking and party preparation. You may have office parties to attend, cookie exchanges to bake for and the “to do” list goes on and on.
So does all this preparation and running around have an impact on the breastfeeding mom & baby (dyad)?
The breastfeeding dyad is a symbiotic relationship. What this means is that a breastfeeding mom is hard wired in a way to her baby hormonally. What affects mommy affects baby and vice versa.
So if mom is busy with the holiday duties and breastfeeding becomes an “inconvenience” or another task on the “to do” list breastfeeding does suffer. Instead of breastfeeding in a busy mall during the holiday season mom may just take a bottle of formula to give instead or because family are over and want to “help” by holding the baby and of course feeding the baby again breastfeeding is pushed aside.
Usually how this presents is a mom whose baby is much too young to wean reports difficulties with the baby becoming fussy at the breast during a feed, or she reports her breasts don’t feel as “full” as they used to, baby seems hungry and “likes the bottle better”. The term coined by La Leche League; an international volunteer mother to mother breastfeeding support organization as the “holiday weaning syndrome”. The weeks leading up to the holidays baby is spending less and less time at the breast for feeds, or if mom is pumping sessions become fewer, shorter in length and formula may be used instead. It’s the start of a slippery slope, but one that can be turned around usually with a few days of feeding on cue, pumping when baby would normally feed, and lots of skin to skin contact.
So how can you avoid falling into this scenario? Firstly remember you are your baby’s everything. Remember why you wanted to breastfeed in the first place (emotional closeness, health benefits for mom & baby).
Keep things simple this year, having a potluck dinner is a great way to spread the work instead of having one person cook and bake for a week leading up to the celebration. I can remember when my twins were babies if people wanted to celebrate Christmas with us they needed to come to us and bring the food. We just provided the space. Ask your friends & families if they could pick up some Christmas gifts for you at the mall, especially if they are going anyways, shopping online is a great option as well to avoid the holiday rush & crowds.
So as you prepare for this holiday season, remember to enjoy family & friends and most importantly reconnecting with baby by sitting down and nursing.
For more information on “holiday weaning syndrome” refer to La Leche League’s website http://www.lllc.ca/
Happy Holidays!
Camilla Aviss RN, BHSc(N),CCCE, IBCLC
Multiple Reasons Lactation Support Services
www.multiplereasons.com
Article is property of Camilla Aviss and may only be copied and distributed in its entirety on the condition that it is not used in ANY context that violates the WHO International Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (1981) and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions.

M.O.M (Moms of Multiples) Breastfeeding drop-ins/meet-ups

Hello Mommies,
I am starting my M.O.M breastfeeding meet-ups starting on Nov 13, 2009 from 10:00-12:00 at Oak Park Moms & Tots in North Oakville.http://www.oakparkmomsandtots.ca/

If you are a M.O.M come on out and meet other M.O.M. If you are expecting multiples and want some information on breastfeeding or anything to do with multiples this is the place to come!

As a M.O.M (twins)I had a group of other "twin moms" who I met up with usually on a weekly basis either for play dates, coffee or dinner. Looking back I don't know what I would have done without these wonderful women in my life. They spoke my language, understood what it was like to have two babies crying at the same time, two toddlers fighting over the potty!

The M.O.M breastfeeding drop-in/meet-up will run the 2nd Friday of every month (with the exception of December, it will run Dec 4, 2009)

Check out meetup.com/Halton-Hamilton-Peel-Breastfeeding-Mommies
if you want to join the group and get information on upcoming dates, topics, etc.

Happy Breastfeeding!
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE, IBCLC
Multiple Reasons Lactation Support Services
www.multiplereasons.com

Nestlé Co-chairs food security conference at McGill University (Is this a Joke?)

The following Action Alert I received from INFACT Canada yesterday in my inbox. The words Nestle and Food Security in the same sentence is comical as well as sad to say the least. Please take a minute to send your own letter or use INFACT's below. THANK YOU!
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE
MULTIPLE REASONS LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES
www.multiplereasons.com


McGill University in Montréal is hosting a conference on global food security this October. The co-chair of the conference is Marilyn Knox, President of Nestlé Nutrition Canada. The idea that Nestlé would co-chair a conference on how to make food sustainable and safe for the global community is ironic to say the least. The company's aggressive promotion of infant formula, an unsafe, expensive, and unstable source of food for infants and young children has been undermining the food security provided by breastfeeding for decades. Add to this their production of extremely non-nutritive junk foods and their extensive efforts to privatize the world's water supply, and it's tough to see how any credible academic institution could take Nestlé's supposed desire to contribute to food security seriously. Please write to Heather Munroe-Blum, principal of McGill and conference co-chair, and ask her to rescind this partnership with the corporation.

Write your own letter or copy INFACT's below.

Send your email to:

Principal Heather Munroe-Blum: heather.munroe.blum@mcgill.ca
Diedre McCabe, Administrative Coordinator: deidre.mccabe@mcgill.ca


*********

Dear Principal Munroe-Blum,
As the directors of INFACT (Infant Feeding Action Coalition) Quebec and INFACT Canada, two non-governmental organizations that work to protect infant and young child health as well as maternal well-being through the promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices, we are writing to you with respect to the upcoming McGill Conference on Global Food Security being held from October 5-7.
We were very happy to see McGill supporting and involving itself with such an important issue as Global Food Security. What has shocked and disappointed us is to learn that you, as Principal of such an esteemed university, and with a background in the field of epidemiology, would co-chair this event with the President of Nestlé Nutrition Canada. We would like to have a better understanding of why this decision was made as Nestlé has an extensive record of engaging in irresponsible social and environmental practices:
· Unethical marketing of infant formulas and repeated, systematic violations of the UNICEF/WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk substitutes and subsequent resolutions;
· The use of forced child labour in their cocoa supply chain West Africa
· The marketing of unlabelled genetically modified foods;
· Controversial water pricing and the privatization of public water resources;
· Lobbying against vaccination of livestock during the British Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in 2001;
· Environmental destruction in Brazil;
· Intimidation of trade unionists in Colombia;
· Demanding millions in compensation from hunger-stricken Ethiopia;
Because of these actions Nestlé has gained a reputation around the world of putting profits before the wellbeing of the global community, and is the target of the world's largest consumer boycott. To counter its well-deserved negative reputation, Nestlé makes public shows of support for social causes such as food security; despite the fact that any independent examination of their actions shows that the company actively undermines such causes. Consider the fact that Nestlé is the largest promoter of infant formula in the world, a product which is neither affordable nor safe in many communities and erodes the food security of infants and young children, the most vulnerable members of society.
The mission statement of your University states that
The mission of McGill University is the advancement of learning through teaching, scholarship, and service to society by offering to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the best education available, by carrying out scholarly activities judged to be excellent when measured against the highest international standards, and by providing service to society in those ways for which we are well suited by virtue of our academic strengths.
Your affiliation with the President of Nestlé Nutrition Canada, as Co-Chair of a conference that addresses global food security, is inconsistent with both the mission and reputation of McGill. Any discussion about food security has built-in bias when the co-chair is affiliated with one of the largest food distributors in the world. Large corporations with a monopoly on food preparation and distribution are detrimental to our food security.
Because of the participation of Nestlé Nutrition Canada, the upcoming conference does not afford participants the freedom to independently analyze the issues. If there is no financial support or engagement between Nestlé and McGill then we question what is the rational behind this decision. Perhaps a representative from the World Health Organisation or another International University would be more appropriate.
We respectfully request that you immediately and publicly disengage yourself and McGill University from this and any other affiliation with Nestlé Canada.
Respectfully yours,

Carole Dobrich RN, IBCLC Elisabeth Sterken Bsc, Msc, Dt
INFACT Quebec President INFACT Canada President

And on behalf of the INFACT board of directors and members.







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VAGINAL DELIVERY OF BREECH BABIES, NEW GUIDELINES RELEASED

SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS OF CANADA (SOGC) PRACTICE GUIDELINE: VAGINAL DELIVERY OF BREECH PRESENTATION

SOGC notes that many women who end up with a breech pregnancy can safely deliver vaginally so doctors should not automatically perform a cesarean section (Ubelacker, 2009, June 17). Dr. Robert Gagnon, chair of the SOGC’s maternal fetal medicine committee, explains: “Breech pregnancies are almost always delivered using a cesarean section, to the point where the practice has become somewhat automatic…What we've found is that, in some cases, vaginal breech birth is a safe option, and obstetricians should be able to offer women the choice to attempt a traditional delivery” (Ubelacker, 2009, June 17). Executive vice-president Dr. Andre Lalonde highlights that a reliance on cesarean deliveries has meant a large proportion of Canadian obstetricians lack training in vaginal breech birth. SOGC will develop programs with universities to ensure new medical school graduates and practising physicians are trained in techniques to safely deliver breech babies vaginally. This clinical practice guideline (SOGC, 2009) reviews the physiology of breech birth; discerns the risks and benefits of a trial of labour versus planned Cesarean section; and recommends to obstetricians, family physicians, midwives, obstetrical nurses, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, and other health care providers selection criteria, intrapartum management parameters, and delivery techniques for a trial of vaginal breech birth.

SOGC practice guidelines: http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/documents/gui226CPG0906.pdf

French: http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/index_f.asp

News: http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/article/652174

This is good news for those moms hoping to have a vaginal delivery as well as for breastfeeding. We know that cesarean births are associated with delayed lactogenesis (that's medical terminology for "milk coming in") and as expected, a delay in initiating breastfeeding. (Chen et al., 1998;Deweyet al., 2003; Evans et al., 2003;Grajed & Perez-Escamilla, 2002; Leung, Lam, & Ho, 2002; Nissen et al.; 1996; Rowe-Murray & Fisher, 2002; Wittels et al., 1997).

Unfortunately it's not for moms expecting multiples. The new guidelines apply only to singleton pregnancies.

Now it will be just a matter of time to get the New OB/GYN's trained to do it!

Thanks, Happy Breastfeeding.
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE
MULTIPLE REASONS LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES
www.multiplereasons.com
Remember: "There's Multiple Reasons To Breastfeed"

The Famous "Indiscreet Breastfeeding Manifesto"

the Indiscreet Breastfeeding Manifesto, first published by Sundae Horn in Mothering Magazine in 2001.

I will nurse my child anytime, anywhere, no matter who is present or what I am wearing.
I will bare my breast with pride and confidence.
I will not apologize for nourishing and nurturing my child.
I will not smother my child with a napkin or blanket.
I will smile at everyone around me and ignore rude stares.
I will know that I am giving my child the perfect infant food from the most efficient, ecological, and economical delivery system.
I will know that I am giving my child the healthy start that is his or her birthright.
I will set an example for women and girls, educate the public, dispel breastfeeding myths, de-sexualize the breast, and make the world a better place, all through the simple act of feeding my child.

Seems Common Sense doesn't it? I sometimes wonder are we helping or hindering breastfeeding in public with "Nursing Rooms"? I think they are great on one hand, especially if you're supplementing at the breast and need to get the lact-aid, feeding tube in place and aren't comfortable doing so out in public. On the other hand are we saying, to breastfed you have to do this behind closed doors?

Of course our Human Rights support Breastfeeding anywhere, any time, anyplace.THANKFULLY!
Aren't we fortunate to live in a country that either is supported and protected.

For those moms who do breastfeed openly in public. THANK YOU. You are not just nourishing your baby you are changing attitudes and beliefs.

Happy Breastfeeding!
Camilla Aviss, RN,BHSc(N),CCCE
MULTIPLE REASONS LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES
www.multiplereasons.com

Remember "There's multiple reasons to breastfeed"

New Webpage!!

Check out my new web page! www.multiplereasons.com
It's finally up and running! Thanks to Michelle at Oakville Moms for doing such a great job on my site! www.oakvillemoms.com
Check it out and let me know what you think?
As well if there are articles or topics you would like to see, drop me a line and let me know.

Thanks!
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE
MULTIPLE REASONS LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES
multiplereasons@sympatico.ca
www.multiplereasons.com
Remember "there's multiple reasons to breastfeed"

Nestle Nutrition strikes again.

I received another disturbing e-mail from INFACT today regarding the unethical marketing of infant formula. Please see the "Action Alert" below from INFACT Canada www.infact.ca

ACTION ALERT – National nutrition conference sponsored by Nestlé



INFACT Canada has learned that a pediatric nutrition conference slated for September has listed Nestlé Nutrition as a major sponsor. The Alberta Health Services First Annual Canadian Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference being held in Edmonton on September 25-26 is not only being sponsored by Nestlé, but one of its speakers will be a Nestlé employee.



It is a serious conflict of interest for a public health agency such as Alberta Health Services (AHS) to stage a pediatric nutrition conference in partnership with an infant formula manufacturer like Nestlé. Nestlé is notorious for its aggressive marketing of infant formula and obstinate rejection of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. 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.



As reported in a previous INFACT email, Nestlé’s new formula contains so-called “natural cultures” of bifidus bacteria, which are found in breastmilk. The company is marketing the new brand as equivalent to breastmilk. “There are only two places your baby can get natural cultures,” reads the advertising tagline, “The first is you. The other is from Nestlé Good Start Natural Cultures.” No scientific study is cited as proof that the bacterial cultures in this formula have the same effect on infants as breastmilk.



Nestle intentionally does not warn parents that its powdered infant formulas are not sterile and may be contaminated with the lethal microorganism Enterobacter sakazakii. This bacteria is capable of causing sepsis, meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis and death in infants. The World Health Organization has produced guidelines for the preparation of powedered formula which state it should be reconsituted at 70ْ C to kill any bacteria present. This temparature would also destroy Nestlé’s so-called “natural cultures” and so the company’s new formula ads tell parents not to heat the water above 40ْ C . Exposing babies to E. sakazakii infection is a significant known risk, while Nestlé’s unfounded health claim is of minimal or no benefit.



It is outrageous that the AHS, an organization funded by Canadian taxpayers, should allow itself to be used by Nestlé to promote a product that poses a danger to Canadian infants. INFACT Canada is asking for your support in a campaign to put a stop to this sponsorship. With the help of our members, we have been successful in the past at ridding conferences of Nestlé’s influence.



Your voice really counts! Please write to Alberta Health Services and ask them to refuse the Nestle sponsorship and act responsibly to protect infant and young child health.



INFACT Canada has written a sample letter. Write your own letter or adapt INFACT’s below.



Send emails to

Mary Anne Yirkuw and Kim Brunet

Conference co-chairs

RNFSEduc@cha.ab.ca





***********



RE: 1st Annual Canadian Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference co-sponsored by Nestlé Nutrition.



Dear Ms. Brunet and Ms. Yirkuw,



It is with considerable distress that I note Nestlé Nutrition is co-sponsoring the 1st Annual Canadian Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference with Alberta Health Services.



I would ask you to reconsider the appropriateness of partnering with Nestlé, the world's largest manufacturer and promoter of infant formula. Infants in Canada and around the world suffer illness, malnutrition and even death because of Nestlé's aggressive marketing which is designed to persuade mothers to formula feed instead of breastfeed. Globally, UN agencies note that every year at least 1.5 million infant deaths are linked to artificial feeding practices. As the world's most aggressive formula marketer, Nestlé bears much responsibility for this outrageous death toll.



The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly have been drafted to curb the marketing excesses of Nestlé and other formula companies and safeguard infant and young child health. The International Code has been fully endorsed by all UN Member States, including Canada. These provisions unequivocally state that health care systems and professionals should not be complicit in the marketing and promotion of artificial feeding products. Conflicts of interest, such as sponsorships by the infant formula industry, are explicitly prohibited.



By conferring on Nestlé the prestige of associating with your conference, you are aiding them in the misrepresentation of their products and the deception of parents. The reality is not "gentle proteins", cute pink hearts or "probiotics just like those in breastmilk” but dirty contaminated bottles, diarrhea, babies screaming with pain from otitis media, babies separated from their mothers in pediatric wards with acute respiratory disease, damaged guts that morph into chronic lifelong conditions such as Crohn's disease, more women dying of breast cancer, the cost and pain of living a life with diabetes and lives cut short because of cardiac disease and so on. Ironically, formula feeding is at the root of the very topics under discussion at your conference.



In the Philippines where at least 17,000 babies die every year related to artificial feeding, Nestlé's advertising violates national regulations. In 2007, Nestlé called for the heads of UNICEF and WHO Philippines to be recalled for speaking out in favour of breastfeeding at a time when stronger formula marketing regulations were being considered by the Supreme Court.



According to South Africa’s Department of Health, Nestlé violates that country’s labelling laws with unsubstantiated nutrition claims: “optimal physical and mental development”, “activate your baby’s immune defences” and “strengthen your baby’s natural defences”.



In South East Asia, Nestlé uses a logo of a mother and baby bear in a nursing position on coffee whitener products, creating the impression that these products can be used as breastmilk substitutes. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal highlights the deaths in Laos related to the use of this mislabelled product in infant feeding. Although for many years Nestlé had been urged to remove the image from its products and prevent needless infant deaths, it has stubbornly resisted.



In Canada, Nestlé claims that "there are only two places where your baby can get natural cultures"—"the first is you" and the other is Nestlé formula—and says its formula is the only one with natural cultures to mimic breastmilk's bifidus factor. Highlighting an ingredient in infant formula as a key component of breast milk is misleading and is contrary to section 5(1) of the Food and Drugs Act.



What Nestlé does not tell parents is that its powdered formula may be contaminated with the lethal microorganism Enterobacter sakazakii, which can result in sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, meningitis and even death. The WHO recommends that powdered formula be reconstituted at 70 degrees centigrade to kill E. sakazakii, but the Nestlé label tells parents to reconstitute their probiotic formula at 40 degrees in order to protect its “natrual cultures” claim, putting Canadian infants at risk for E. sakazakii infection.



These are not the only misleading claims Nestlé makes to market its formula in Canada. Nestlé formula proteins are advertised as "easier to digest". Easier than what? Nestlé claims its formula fats are "also naturally found in breast milk - to help support your baby's normal brain, eye and nerve development right from the start.” All unsubstantiated, all designed to deceive parents into thinking the product is like breastmilk and all prohibited by Canada's Food and Drugs Act.



The first Canadian Perinatal and Pediatric Nutrition Conference is an important landmark in the quest to improve early and young child nutrition and health and should not be tarnished by being linked to Nestlé. The AHS mission statement says that the orgnanization strives to institute a “patient-focused” healthcare system. Allowing this company to participate in your conference serves the needs of the infant formula industry, not the needs of your patients. I respectfully urge you to rid this conference of its Nestlé sponsorship.



I look forward to your response.



Elisabeth Sterken, BSc, MSc. Dt

Director INFACT Canada/IBFAN North America

6 Trinity Square

Toronto, ON

M5G 1B1


Thanks!
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE
MULTIPLE REASONS LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES
www.multiplereasons.com

Remember "There's multiple reasons to breastfeed"

Breastfeeding and the Canadian Paediatric Society

Being a Lactation Consultant I'm always doing research on various topics related to breastfeeding. I am always interested in what various medical researchers are studying on the topic and what leading medical authorities are saying.

The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) states that breast milk is the best food mothers can offer their babies and recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.

Imagine my sadness when I came across the CPS website that their annual conference in Ottawa, Ontario this June 2009 is being sponsored by some of the world's largest formula companies. Some of the formula companies are exhibitors as well.

I decided to contact Infact Canada www.infactcanada.ca to let them know about this. INFACT Canada is a national non-governmental organization that works to protect infant and young child health as well as maternal well-being through the promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices.

Infact Canada took this seriously and sent out the following "Action Alert" on May 26, 2009.


Canadian Paediatric Society allies with formula companies

The upcoming CPS annual conference is being sponsored in part by some of the world’s biggest formula companies. Abbot Nutrition, Mead Johnson and Wyeth are listed as sponsors of the event, and all three companies, along with Nestlé, will be exhibitors at the event.

These four companies have been aggressively marketing infant formula for decades, and have actively undermined child health. For a group claiming to be Canada’s foremost child health organization to enter into a relationship with them is highly inappropriate. Clearly this sponsorship compromises the CPS’s ability to promote breastfeeding and advance the health of children.

According to its own Code of Ethics, the CPS desires to “put the needs of children above all else.” It is difficult to see how forming partnerships with formula companies serves the needs of children. On the other hand, the formula companies will benefit from the PR of being allied with paediatricians, and the CPS will receive financial support to stage its conference. It is children that will lose out.

As long as Canada’s health organizations are not fully committed to supporting breastfeeding, infant health in this country will remain far from optimal. Please write to the CPS and ask them to reconsider their relationship with the formula companies. Write your own letter or copy INFACT Canada’s below.

Direct your letters to:

Marie Adèle Davis, Executive Director madavis@cps.ca
Wendy Eligh, Annual Conference Manager wendye@cps.ca

******

Marie Adèle Davis and Wendy Eligh
Executive Director
Canadian Paediatric Society
2305 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8


Dear Ms. Davis and Ms. Eligh

It has come to our attention that the upcoming CPS annual conference is accepting sponsorship from Abbot Nutrition, Mead Johnson and Wyeth. Along with Nestlé Nutrition, all three companies are also listed as exhibitors. As an organization that is dedicated to advocating for the health needs of children, I would ask that you reconsider the appropriateness of allowing these companies to promote themselves at your conference.

Abbott, Nestlé, Mead Johnson and Wyeth are four of the biggest companies in the infant formula industry. For years the industry, and these companies specifically, have been marketing their products in violation of international guidelines. Their aggressive promotion of infant formula has undermined breastfeeding rates in Canada and abroad. They have refused to abide by the terms of the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, a measure endorsed by the international community and UNICEF to protect breastfeeding and reduce infant and young child mortality and morbidity.

These companies’ marketing malpractice is ongoing. Nestlé has just launched a formula brand in Canada that the company says can provide infants with the same protection against disease as breastmilk. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and yet massive advertising campaigns have been launched to convince Canadian mothers that Nestlé’s formula contains the same vital ingredients as breastmilk.

That the CPS forms partnerships with these companies even while they are actively engaged in undermining breastfeeding does not further the society’s goal of improving child health. Instead, it lends credibility to dishonest companies and presents a blatant conflict of interest to Canadian paediatricians. The CPS cannot accept sponsorship from formula companies on one hand and then expect to effectively promote breastfeeding on the other.

The CPS Code of Ethics says that the society has always worked to “put the needs of children above all else.” Allowing these companies to participate in your conference serves the needs of the infant formula industry, not the needs of children.

We respectfully request that the CPS not form any partnerships with formula companies and suggest that the CPS familiarize itself with its own obligations under the Code, specifically WHA Resolution 49.15 which states “financial support for professionals working in infant and young child health [should] not create conflicts of interest.”

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,


Elisabeth Sterken
National Director
INFACT Canada



Please take the time to let the Canadian Paediatric Society know that this is unacceptable and in violation of the WHO code. Thank you!

Remember "there's multiple reasons to breastfeed"
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE
MULTIPLE REASONS LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES
www.multiplereasons.com