Hi,

This is a serious issue.

Recently, many Maternal and Child Health nurses (about 500 in Victoria I believe!) Attended a conference run by a formula company, Wyeth. At this conference "an expert" gave this information that "it might" where allergies are concerned help to introduce solids earlier. That was her expert opinion - not a change in policy.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has had many queries via our helpline about this. On Monday I spoke to the Department of Education, Early Years program (in every state other than Victoria Breastfeeding is a health issue - but that's another story!)
The person I spoke to confirmed that the policy of the department as stated on their website is to start solids at 6 months. This has not changed. It is a well researched position.
The person I spoke to also said that "The department had no control over health nurses attending formula company seminars"
Not good enough, I say - really not good enough.
The Victorian Government needs to effectively resource and educate it's Maternal and Child Health Nurses so that they don't need to rely on formula companies for education.
I think that concerned mothers should write to the Minister - Maxine Morand - I will post details of her e-mail address later - or maybe some-one else will - I'm a bit e-mail challenged at the moment

Warm Regards
Barb