COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Strong moms raise strong babies. That's why Abbott, the makers of Similac infant formula, has created the Similac Moms Alliance, a team of experts to support and inspire other moms as they navigate the challenges of parenthood. Led by U.S. Olympic swimming gold medalist, television personality and new mom Summer Sanders, this coalition of women will inspire moms to be their personal best, while giving their babies a strong start in life.

"New moms like me need to know they're not alone in the challenges and joys of motherhood," says Sanders. "Through the Moms Alliance, they can get mom-to-mom support and advice from knowledgeable and caring women who all have been in the same situation. It's like having a team of veteran moms in your corner, coaching you and cheering you on."

The primary role of the Similac Moms Alliance is to grow an online community of moms and connect with them on a virtual level, providing tips on important issues for mothers, such as nutrition, exercise, deciding whether to stay home or return to work, and maintaining life balance while keeping a sense of humor.

For example, Sanders, host of Skating with Celebrities, will discuss such topics as raising a strong and confident child and juggling a demanding career while taking care of her 5-month-old daughter. The Similac Moms Alliance also will reach out to moms through public appearances, speaking engagements and special events

"As a leader in infant nutrition, Abbott is committed to providing new parents with the information and resources they need to provide their babies the best start in life," says Gary McCullough, president, Abbott's Ross Products Division. "The Similac Moms Alliance will offer families access to an online network of experts and peers to help them navigate the day-to-day challenges of raising strong babies."

    In addition to Sanders, the Moms Alliance members include:

    --  Harriette Cole -- Best-selling author, life coach, entrepreneur and
        mother.  She provides advice in a nationally syndicated daily column
        and as a recurring guest on NBC's Today show.  Cole will discuss
        issues such as balancing work and family while retaining a sense of
        self, being stylish and savvy as a new mom, and raising children to be
        the best they can be.

    --  Helen Garabedian -- Author, founder of the infant exercise program
        Itsy Bitsy Yoga(R) and certified Hatha Yoga trainer.  Garabedian, a
        mother of one, will speak to moms about starting a business after
        baby, enjoying exercise with your children and losing weight while
        having fun.

    --  Jen Singer -- Creator of the Forbes "Best of Web" site mommasaid.net
        and humorous parenting author.  As the mother of two sons, Singer
        understands the ups and downs of being a parent.  She will help moms
        learn to laugh and offer reassurance on the little-discussed secrets
        of being a mom.

    --  Julie Segal, M.D. -- Atlanta-based pediatrician, prenatal educator and
        mother.  As both a new mom and a pediatric medical expert, Dr. Segal
        will candidly answer questions about mom and baby health.  In
        addition, she will offer tips, tricks and medical truths on how to
        care for newborns.

    --  Sylvia Klinger, R.D. -- Member of the American Dietetic Association
        and the founder of Hispanic Food Communications, a nutrition and
        culinary communications consulting company.  With two school-age
        children, Klinger knows what snacks are quick to prepare, easy to eat,
        delicious and nutritious. She will offer moms nutrition and fitness
        advice for themselves and their babies.

For more information, please visit the Similac Moms Alliance Web site at http://www.SimilacMomsAlliance.com . This new site provides tips and information from each of the members, who combine their professional roles with their personal stories of raising children. Visitors will also find Q&A pages and monthly diary entries from each of the Moms Alliance experts. In addition, moms who visit the site can share their own insights and stories, creating an interactive community.

About Similac

Similac offers a complete line of infant formulas to meet the nutritional needs of babies. Similac provides babies with excellent nutrition for growth and development and provides nutrients that support baby's developing brain, bone and immune system. The Similac family of products includes Similac(R) Advance(R), Similac(R) Organic, Similac(R) Isomil(R) Advance(R), Similac(R) Alimentum(R), Similac(R) Advance(R) 2, Isomil(R) Advance(R) 2 and Similac(R) NeoSure(R).

The latest information about Similac, including high-resolution images, is available for news media professionals at http://www.e-MediaRoom.com/Similac .

About Abbott

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs 65,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com .

SOURCE  Abbott
    -0-                             10/05/2006
    /CONTACT:  Media, Keri Butler, Abbott, +1-614-624-7543/
    /Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110328.html /
    /Web site:  http://www.abbott.com
                http://www.SimilacMomsAlliance.com
                http://www.e-MediaRoom.com/Similac /
    (ABT)

CO:  Abbott; Similac
ST:  Ohio
IN:  HEA MTC
SU:  WOM PDT

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6038 10/05/2006 07:02 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com