StrollerFit passing out formula advertising

[mamasneedlove]

So I just started a StrollerFit class with my 3mo and my 4yo, and I really love the class and the instructor. She's so sweet. But then at the end of my second class, she put these goody bags into our strollers (uh oh, right?), and said they were just a gift from StrollerFit.

So, a couple of days go by and I'm cleaning up and I pull it out.. there's a FULL DAY'S SUPPLY of formula powder and a StrollerFit 'staying healthy' type booklet with huge advertisements for Boppy and for some formula company! :

This is what I wrote the company this morning:

"I love my StrollerFit class! However, I was very disappointed when my instructor passed out a packet of including a formula sample and some advertising. It is a well-known fact that free formula samples and pervasive formula advertising directly undermine the establishment of breastfeeding. In fact, many countries in Europe severely limit the advertising of human milk substitutes for that reason. It seems that StrollerFit, by endorsing those materials, is not supportive of breastfeeding and places itself in direct opposition to the goals our nation has set for itself to increase breastfeeding success rates. Please consider doing the right thing and refusing to try to influence mothers away from breastfeeding and toward formula feeding, for our health and for our babies' health. Thank you,

Jen (lastname)
location"


ARRG! I hate that they did that, because I'm not going to boycott them, I love the class!

[songbh]

Verrrrrry interesting. May I ask if the formula was Similac by any chance? I've recently learned of their "Strong Moms" campaign and am wondering if they are targeting the fitness industry as part of it.

[onlygirls]

I used to do stroller fit. That is terrible.

[mamasneedlove]

Parent's Choice... "no better value..."

[St. Margaret]

That's terrible! BFing is way more likely to help mom get back in shape and keep mama and baby healthy. But it's not surprising that such integrated advertizing is launching. Good letter. I hope you get a good response.

[songbh]

Originally Posted by mamasneedlove

Parent's Choice... "no better value..."

OK, thanks for responding. And yes, I hope your letter makes a difference!

It's interesting, I just googled "strollerfit formula" and the first link was this thread already! I checked out the main Strollerfit.com website and didn't see any mention of a sponsorship or partnership with Walmart or Parent's Choice. It would be interesting to know if the formula marketing is happening at the corporate or more local level.