It has been brought to our attention that the Volume 11, Issue 3 Clinical Lactation highlights a cover photo showing a baby being fed with a bottle which the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes would classify as “idealizing bottle-feeding”.
It is important to understand that the editorial process for any peer-reviewed journal, including Clinical Lactation, separates editorial control and review from USLCA.
After further investigation, the use of this photo was simply an oversight and harbors no “meaning”. We recognize that bottles are the reality for many nursing parents and intend no discrimination towards those who use them.
USLCA is actively working to remedy the problem and ensure that Clinical Lactation continues to reflect USLCA’s strong support of the Code. As we transition the journal to our new interim Editor-in-Chief, we are actively reviewing processes and procedures to avoid problems like this in the future.
A letter from the Editorial team
“We regret the error on the print cover of Volume 11, Issue 3 of Clinical Lactation. On behalf of Springer Publishing, I apologize to the USLCA membership and all involved. I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to USLCA and in adhering to the WHO code. We are taking additional steps to refine the cover process to ensure this does not happen again.” – Springer Publishing