formula branding at the dr. office

[tincia]

I just took my son in for a routine appt and discovered some decorating changes inside the office. It was decked out in "Good Start" product placement! I found this bothersome, but not sure if it is just me. I don't think this is appropriate. This is at a general practitioner's office, so not geared specifically to moms and babies, but still. The room we were in is used for babies as it is the one with the baby scale. I feel like at the very least they should strike somebalance by at least putting up a poster about the pros of bf or something! Is it just me? I just feel like it is unneccesary and sends the wrong message.

[AnkaJones]

I had the same thing at our pediatrician's office.  Posters, pen holders, the whole nine yards.  They even give you a little booklet to take notes (like there are places to write down questions for the doctor, your baby's weight and height, etc. for each visit)... only it's covered with branding, and each of the pages (one for each visit) has a long list of types of formula your baby could be on... you're supposed to check of which one he's on.  I guess breastmilk is under "other"?

Anyway, when handing it to me, the pediatrician was like, "since you're breastfeeding, just ignore the advertising."

It feels really inappropriate, but I don't know if I'd be overreacting if I switched to another practice or what.  I chose the practice because they are all mothers themselves.  Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing other people's opinions.

Best,

Anka

[tincia]

It seems like this is unfortunately very common. I don't plan to switch dr. because of it, but I do think it is very appropriate at all. Dr.'s are supposed to advocate what is best for our babies which is not good start formula!

[Caracol8]

Companies like Lansinoh need to hop on the give-away marketing wagon!  It's all a product placement game which is gross and sad. 

[Ola_]

I guess I kind of view this like the advertising for specific medication and vaccines that they have on the walls at my Dr's office.  I'd hope that those freebies don't affect their recommendations but in reality they all likely do...
 

Originally Posted by Caracol8 

Companies like Lansinoh need to hop on the give-away marketing wagon!  It's all a product placement game which is gross and sad. 

My midwife had a binder of birth info they give to everyone and it had Lansinoh breast pads and lanolin sample!  Those were the only samples in there too. :)

[librarymommy]

It also happens at the drugstore! I purchased Lansinoh soothies and lanolin at Walgreen's last night, and was handed a $5 off coupon for formula! Hello, I'm breastfeeding obviously, why would I need formula?