Need help with wording...

[lajn]

The consignment/baby store in my small town has recently launched their new website. They sell a lot of great things - cloth diapers, slings, used clothing etc. - but the prominent picture on the webpage is a woman bottlefeeding her baby.

The owner has invited people to leave feedback of the website, and I am in the process of writing an email to let her know why the image is objectionable. However, I'm having trouble with the wording. I live in a very small town, and though I don't know the owner personally, I'm sure to have some kind of connection with her, so I'm trying to find the balance of making a strong point, but not offending her, KWIM?

Any thoughts as to how I could word this?

[annettemarie]

Rather than making the bottlefeeding out to be negative, maybe you can say something like "As a breastfeeding mother who doesn't use a bottle, I found the image on your website not to really apply to me as a mom. Would you consider using a neutral image, such as a happy baby, or add an image of a mother breastfeeding?"

[nettieferg]

The bottlefeeding image is SO ingrained in our culture, she probably did not even THINK about it -- so, I agree in a sensitive response, such as annettemarie suggested.

You might also mention that the same moms interested in the natural-parenting stuff she is stocking (slings, cloth diapers) are also the moms most likely to be breastfeeding (or expressing BM). Most sling-wearing-cloth-diapering AP mamas would be pulling out a breast when they are with DB, reserving bottles for separation times, such as daycare.

What about a happy picture of a mama with a grinning baby in one of her for-sale slings? (Hey, maybe YOU could volunteer! :-)

[evermore82]

I would start out by complementing her on the selection of alternative baby items, and point out some other positives about her website and shop. Then bring up where there is room for improvement by being honest. Say something like, "Your store brings so much to our community. However, I wanted to point out that one of the prominent images on the homepage of your website is of a mother bottlefeeding her baby. As a breastfeeding mother and activist, I encourage you to use an image that encompasses a more universal parenting style."

You might say something about the breastfeeding supplies, if she carries them, and suggest other images she could put up, instead. She could also do a slideshow of four or five images, one of a breastfeeding mother, one of a bottlefeeding mother, and a few more.

Originally Posted by nettieferg

What about a happy picture of a mama with a grinning baby in one of her for-sale slings? (Hey, maybe YOU could volunteer! :-)

I like this idea.

And maybe she'll post on her website and in her shop window as a result!