Disappointment at seeing ad for formula.

I am writing to express my disappointment at seeing Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand advertising infant formula in its March issue. This is not only a breach of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes where no breast milk substitutes can be advertised, but also a breach of the New Zealand Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes where breast milk substitutes for babies aged up to six months cannot be advertised.

As nurses, what we say and do can affect a mother and baby partnership, no matter whether we are employed at a maternity facility or not, on or off duty. Many members of the public, our families and friends turn to nurses for support, guidance and advice, and as health practitioners we should be promoting what is researched current best practice--breastfeeding--and if a woman is experiencing difficulties, to be able to refer her to someone who could help.

Use of formula (unless it is medically indicated) while the baby is in the maternity facility has long been proven by research to be a key factor in poor breast-feeding and early weaning, which should be discouraged in these tight economic times, as the cost of formula is unnecessary.

The New Zealand Breastfeeding Authority has a large amount of information and research as to why formula should not be promoted. I do not wish to stir up a pro- and anti-breastfeeding debate but would prefer not to see formula advertised in your magazine again.

Emma Burke, RN, BN, Lumsden