What to do with formula samples? - Page 2

[texmati]

donate.

[annettemarie]

No, the WHO Code is not OK with that. But it's not something MDC has decided to forbid. If you have further questions, you could PM an admin for clarification.

[TabithaB]

I give it to the local homeless shelters or women's shelter's.

[jessjgh1]

My last batch went to a CSA farm (community supported agriculture) to be used to feed the piggies.
LOLLOLLOL... That one felt good.

My only issue with donating it is that the samples are ALWAYS the most expensive brands and infants shouldn't have their formula switched around. I like the premise of donating to someone, but then, in theory they are going to be stuck paying more for a more expensive formula-- or perhaps, switching aroudn between brands and making their child sick.
It's a personal decision what to do with 'free' samples... I like the ban the bag sites and MA breastfeeding coalition for why the bags are detrimental, why they aren't really 'free' or helpful even to formula feeding parents.
I'm more pleased with companies solicitating people directly (ie through the mail) than being deliveried via doctors or hospitals though. Finally, if I get another box sample I think I will start using the RETURN TO SENDER option (unless there are piggies at the farm).
Jessica

[C-Charm]

I gave my sample (an entire case) to a formula-feeding family I know.

[prairiebird]

Originally Posted by jessjgh1

My last batch went to a CSA farm (community supported agriculture) to be used to feed the piggies.
LOLLOLLOL... That one felt good.

Actually, this is a good suggestion for it- or if you have a wildlife rehabilitation facility anywhere near you. I volunteered at one for a long time, and we would use the formula to feed abandoned mammal infants like bunnies and fawns and different sorts of wildcats. I got a ton of formula for my firstborn because he was in the hospital for a while and I was pumping (I think they assumed I would give up- heh) and it was actually kind of satisfying in a way to see it go to a deer.

[Peony]

In my area there is a local family resource center that keeps a formula bank for families that need it. I've worked there enough over the years to know that all sorts of families end up using that bank, it isn't given to pg moms but established formula feeding families. I feel good about suggesting formula donations to it.

[proudmomof4]

You'd still need to make sure that all the samples you're donating are properly labeled (expiration dates) in a language understandable to the mother who'll use the product. (The healthier option would probably be to use it for a protein shake - for mom!)

I hope this isn't too much sidetracking but what about the wildlife rehabilitation? Is it really such a good idea to feed formula samples of different brands to all sorts of "abandoned mammal infants"? I've heard of monkeys in the zoo being fed formula for lack of a better option - but wildcats or bunnies?

[PotreroHill]

Originally Posted by prairiebird

Actually, this is a good suggestion for it- or if you have a wildlife rehabilitation facility anywhere near you. I volunteered at one for a long time, and we would use the formula to feed abandoned mammal infants like bunnies and fawns and different sorts of wildcats. I got a ton of formula for my firstborn because he was in the hospital for a while and I was pumping (I think they assumed I would give up- heh) and it was actually kind of satisfying in a way to see it go to a deer.

Oh my goodness, that is so cute

I received two samples of formula in the mail. I was so pissed I threw them both in the trash and I called the companies to complain.

[karika]

I was thinking it might be good to dump it in your garden. But then I read this thread. I like the wildlife animal shelter option. It is weird I didn't get any. I didn't get any new mom stuff in the mail at all. I birthed dd2 in a hospital and everything. hmmmm weird. With dd1 I did get all that stuff, and I threw it away. I also like the idea of not opening the package, marking it 'return to sender' to just take yourself out of the equation. But in the minute sense, that may save them money since they can just redistribute it. Garden, wildlife rescue or trash.

[anj_rn]

I donate it both the formula & the coupons to a catholic Charities Org that help place children for adoption. They can provide some free formula to the new adoptive parents (who will be FF anyway) or foster parents who will care for the child until a permanent adoption can be made. These parents are not eligible for WIC, so they have to pay out of pocket for the formulas. They continue whatever formula was started at the hospital.

This way people who need it get it, but no child who could be breastfed is getting formula.

[filiadeluna]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I mark it "return to sender" and send it back.

I also write, "REFUSED!" with a big, dark Sharpie marker. I would love to write something about "This company is in violation of WHO code!" on it next time. The postal workers would probably think I was NUTS or just think ... WTF?

[Meredith&Alexander]

I've donated mine to a family who fosters babies, to cover any gaps so they don't have to buy as much out of their own pocket.

I've also donated to a battered women's shelter, after the manager assured me that they have such minimal resources that they would never give formula to a nursing mom. It would be used to tide them over until they could get WIC started. And if you're in a shelter, that's probably not an ideal time to relactate.

[phathui5]

I would just throw it away.

[soxthecatrules]

It just makes me sad when I see people say to just throw it out. As a mama who couldn't BF b/c she had to have over 1/2 of her breast tissue removed for medical reasons...these samples would have been more than welcomed. Just find some way to donate without compromising your personal values regarding BF.

[zippy_francis]

Originally Posted by soxthecatrules

It just makes me sad when I see people say to just throw it out. As a mama who couldn't BF b/c she had to have over 1/2 of her breast tissue removed for medical reasons...these samples would have been more than welcomed. Just find some way to donate without compromising your personal values regarding BF.

I agree like I said in pp, I would donate. I cant waste, even if it is not something I would want/use I can not judge others and their needs. It is food for a child, whether it is good or not the best in other people's eyes, it is still food.

[Sustainer]

I already threw it out, and it actually gave me quite a feeling of satisfaction. I sympathize with your situation, but no one I know has a baby and physically can't breastfeed. Besides, I'd much rather promote the establishment of milk banks and wetnursing networks for mothers in such situations than distribute formula. When I was lactating I would have been quite willing to wetnurse for a mother who physically couldn't breastfeed, and I know I'm not the only one. That's a resource that needs to be tapped. Breastmilk is so important for babies, and formula is so different from human breastmilk that it makes me sad for any baby to have to consume formula.

[soxthecatrules]

Originally Posted by Sustainer

I already threw it out, and it actually gave me quite a feeling of satisfaction. I sympathize with your situation, but no one I know has a baby and physically can't breastfeed. Besides, I'd much rather promote the establishment of milk banks and wetnursing networks for mothers is such situations than distribute formula. When I was lactating I would have been quite willing to wetnurse for a mother who physically couldn't breastfeed, and I know I'm not the only one. That's a resource that needs to be tapped. Breastmilk is so important for babies, and formula is so different from human breastmilk that it makes me sad for any baby to have to consume formula.

I respect your decision.

I think someone else mentioned it in the thread...but, one of the things that does bother me is that these samples often make mamas who are heck bent on formula think they have to buy the over priced name brand-formulas. Once we ran out of samples...We saved hundreds of $$$ on formula with both of our babes by buying the Sams Club brand. It is the equivalent of the Enfamil Lipil. We saved approx. $15 a can and when your babe is going through a LARGE mega-can in a 7-9 days that adds up.

FWIW...I guess if it were an option I would have been willing to pay an extra $15 a week for milk from a breastmilk bank. Of course, I have no concept of what milk costs from a bank.