Popsy,got the new issue of the ABM magazine in which there were summaries of the recent annual conference speeches.Unsurprisingly Aptimil was discussed at length.
There is a great summary of a talk by Gabrielle Palmer (author of 'Politics of Breastfeeding') entitled
'How did we go wrong?
An overview of the history politics and damage to breastfeeding'
It's not yet up on the website,but when it is I will post a link which should do two things
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Remind the people who know that these things are wrong just how wrong it it.
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Show people who think it's all a storm in a teacup that this is a far greater and more sinister issue than some cut price formula tins in a local Boots.
In the meantime,some gems to consider.....
'The World Health Code is designed to ensure that artificial feeding is as safe as possible and it is in the best interests of the child if feeding decisions are not influenced by commercial interests.'
The World Health Code was set up in direct response to the activities of Nestle in South America in the mid 70s. Nestle was sued by Roman Catholic nuns for their unethical marketing of breastmilk substitutes.
When the World Health Assembly adopted the code in 1981 there was one dissenting voice out of 118 members.
Whose? The USA. The delegate resigned his post at USAid in protest.
In 1997 the UK artificial baby milk market was worth £150 million.
Between 1993 and 1997 the ready to feed market grew 170% and follow on milks 150% (most advertised.)
'All national codes can and should be stronger than the original code,which is meant to serve as a minimal baseline of action.
'(Babies) cry,whine and smell but for retailers,babies are always beautiful because they mean more money in the till. Fromthe moment of conception,through the pregnancy,birth and beyond,a mother and her child represent a valuable commercial opportunity.'