Does it help to send back formula samples? - Page 2

[G8P4]

I can't see it helping to send the formula back. Everyone would have to do it, and I can't see most people doing that.

Then it should be legistlated. And the argument " because everyone else isn't doing it', never stopped me from doing what I believe is right. Are free samples ever okay? In my opinion, not. Yes, I live in Canada, and I have to repectfully disagree with the PP that Canada, particularily Ontario, is a breastfeeding friendly part of the world. Still very much a bottle feeding culture here.

http://Most Canadian new moms quit breastfeeding

I have heard an argument that anyone who supplies free formula samples to mothers should be obliged to support the feeding of that particular baby for the entire length of time that formula is required. This is because, particularly if free samples displace breast milk and then, contribute to the failure of that woman’s lactation (as is known to happen), babies who become formula dependent might starve without it.

[annettemarie]

I have removed a few posts and the responses to those posts because they violate the Lactivism gudelines:

The Lactivism forum is not intended to be a place where MDCers to bash mothers who are formula feeding. It is understandable that lactivists become frustrated over the mainstream formula feeding culture. Criticizing ideas, campaigns, and actions that negatively impact breastfeeding are all acceptable forms of lactivism. Name calling, criticizing individuals, or attacking women who choose to formula feed as a group are not.

Posts that violate these guidelines will be removed.

As always, PM me with any questions or concerns.

[NewMama2007]

Originally Posted by JSMa

I have donated all the samples I have received as well as any coupons to a single Mom I know that has to FF.

I can't stand getting them though and it really irks me. On all the questionairre things I have marked that I breastfeed, yet they still send formula samples.

Actually, if you mark that you are bfdg, they will send you MORE formula samples and checks (more enticement to switch over). I got several checks up to $50 at one point. They have tracking numbers on them, and if you aren't using them, they up the amount until it's considerable. Once they are used (I donated these to moms who were ff'ing), they don't send anymore or they send much, much less. Why? Because they assume that you are already ff'ing and thus "hooked" on their product (because ff'ing undermines bfdg) and will be buying it for the rest of baby's first year.

Disgusting, no?

[bramblevine]

I too, prefer to donate it.

[weliveintheforest]

Originally Posted by G8P4

Then it should be legistlated. And the argument " because everyone else isn't doing it', never stopped me from doing what I believe is right.

You're absolutely right that formula should not be sent out unsolicited, and I would support legislation to that effect.
I do think it matters what other people are doing in this case, because if a few of us send it back, it's not going to make a difference to the company

[Wildwomyn]

I have still yet to recieve any formula, and I'm due in a month. I asked my sister-in-law, who had her baby last July, and she was never given any either. I don't approve of throwing the samples around like that, but I feel kind of bad because I promised the family program director all those formula samples I'm always hearing that women planning to breastfeed are innundated with.

[BreezyMom]

I wish there was a way to get through to the formula companies that a lot of moms don't like their marketing practices. I called enfamil to tell them to take me off from their list and they had my address and e-mail address in their computer. I'm also still getting coupons and articles about how formula is great because then you don't have to go into another room and pump at work.... They said that it would take "a while" to stop the mailings to me, frustrating....

[krabigirl]

[QUOTE=KimberlyD0;13429249]I agree and disagree with this.

As I said I was in the position with DD#1 I live where BF is the norm and FF is "the devils food" I got more insults and hurtful stairs and all that while FF then I have for BF. I realize thats not the norm, but it shouldn't be the case for EITHER side.
QUOTE]


Just wanted to say I hear you about living in an area where FF is looked upon very disdainfully. Same thing happened to me, unable to breastfeed DD1 for many (not really anyone's business, but medical) reasons and where I live, FF is NOT the norm, and I did receive much more hurtful stares than when I ended up lying and said I was pumping.

I think the formula samples should go out to women in need who cannot or, yes, would not, breastfeed. Donor milk would be the best solution, and I so wished that would have been possible for me, but it wasn't. Maybe it will be someday? Formula is the only choice for some women if they can't afford or have partners that are opposed to donor milk. Therefore, I don't see the reason not to just donate the formula.

***edited for spelling and grammar atrocities

[annettemarie]

I agree. I think formula companies should absolutely send those samples to those who want or need them. I really resent being put in the position where I'm the bad guy because I don't want to do Similac's marketing for them, though. Why should redistributing unsolicited samples be something I should feel guilty about?

[jocelynr]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I agree. I think formula companies should absolutely send those samples to those who want or need them. I really resent being put in the position where I'm the bad guy because I don't want to do Similac's marketing for them, though. Why should redistributing unsolicited samples be something I should feel guilty about?

The problem still remains that the people who receive the samples and plan to FF become brand loyal, though it costs much more than the generic brands.

[2lilsweetfoxes]

I'm stashing my formula samples received in the back of the closet because I'm deployable again at 180 days after I deliver. So they are just in case I end up deploying, DH will have a small stash of formula before he ends up having to go buy more. And if I make it to her first birthday without deploying, then I'll donate them to a mom in need.

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by jocelynr

The problem still remains that the people who receive the samples and plan to FF become brand loyal, though it costs much more than the generic brands.

Yeah, but that's a whole other thread. I agree that the whole system is a mess.

[OkiMom]

I gave my sample to a friend who had to take anti-seizure medicines and was faced with a brain operation months after having her DD. She didn't have the option to breastfeed because of the meds and upcoming surgery. I also gave her some expressed breastmilk though so she could give her daughter breastmilk for however long it lasted. I think she said it lasted a month (Im good at pumping, I would have continued giving her milk if I didn't move to another country) and then she used the formula.

Not every person who uses formula has a choice in it so I do donate the formula to others who need it.