I just don't get it!

[degeeter]

I don't get why people are so reluctant to advertise about all the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding. It's been said that they don't want formula feeding moms to feel guilty, but why should that even be a factor in the decision to advertise?

It's not the advertisers that are causing these mother's to feel guilty, it's in their own minds because they know that they probably didn't make the best decision about feeding. No one can MAKE you do or feel anything. The way you feel is totally up to you.

Breastfeeding advertisements would be for the greater good, so why do these people NOT want to get the word out? I know that there are a lot of people who are uneducated about breastfeeding and have no idea where to turn to for support or guidance. I bet that if there would be more advertisements would be on TV and in public places, there would be many more breastfeeders. In fact, I know there would be. Some people truly don't know better.

It's not like pro-breastfeeding campaigns are out there saying that ff are horrible parents or anything else negative about those people. They simply state the facts, plain and simple. Just because people may not LIKE to hear the truth, that doesn't make it wrong.

Of course the formula companies don't appreciate pro-bf advocates, but that's their problem. I don't see how people can sleep at night knowing the things they put in people's heads about feeding decisions. Somehow convincing people that formula is just as good.

There has to be someone out there that feels the same way as me.

[schatz]

money


ff companies will lose money if more women bf, peds will lose money, drug companies will lose money, and no one will make money

look how long it took to get anti-smoking campaigns -- most babies don't die from eating formula so there's even less incentive. And, no one will pay for studies comparing babies who are bf vs ff (in the right way, with controls etc) so there's no conclusive evidence.

money

it's an unfortunate consequence of the american way in this instance.

[degeeter]

I know why formula companies and doctors would do it, but I am talking about people who have nothing to gain(besides a healthier society) from it.

For example, I saw a piece on one news program about the ad council making commercials advocating breastfeeding, but they didn't want to play them right away out of fear they would "offend" formula feeders and make them feel guilty.

I'm not sure if they have started airing or not(sadly, I haven't seen one) but they aren't getting any of the monetary gain from doctors or formula companies, so why should they be so concerned about airing the ads.

[schatz]

we had a thread about this a while ago (when the ad council ads were supposed to air) -- I think health and human services pulled the spots because they were too negative with regard to ff which boils down to ff companies lobbying politicians.

I think bfing isn't promoted like it should be because there has not been enough clear evidence showing that it is better than ffing that can overcome the ff company lobbyists.

If there were clear, distinct, measurable disadvantages to ffing that got parents up in arms, then maybe there would be change. Basically, we need a squeaky wheel. Yes, it defies logic as we who understand the importance of bfing know it but it's true. Just look at vaccines.... babies are damaged by them but no one will do the necessary studies and the pharm companies keep making new vaxes.

[loving-my-babies]

Originally Posted by degeeter

It's not the advertisers that are causing these mother's to feel guilty, it's in their own minds because they know that they probably didn't make the best decision about feeding. No one can MAKE you do or feel anything. The way you feel is totally up to you.

exactly. they blame it on us, because we tell the truth, which is that breastmilk is 100% better than formula, babies DO die from drinking formula (not all of them, but it has happened, and it will continue happening) and ff babies have 20% chance of dying vs. the breastfed babies. ff'ing by choice mamas feel guilty because they know they are making a wrong, selfish decision, not because we make them feel that way. with the way this country is right now, only 14% of women are breastfeeding at 6 months, ff'ing mamas have all the support in the world.

[zerby]

I guess that if it is OK to air ads that make smokers feel guilty about smoking: ie"My mom died from smoking, and didn't see her grandaughter be born" it is OK to air pro bf ads. Most women know that breastfeeding id the best, but Many do not know where to get the support that they need. And there is nothing out there to convince them that formula can be harmful. 100 years ago people thought heroin was good for coughs b/c thats all the ads said. Women need both sides of the story.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by degeeter

I know why formula companies and doctors would do it, but I am talking about people who have nothing to gain(besides a healthier society) from it.

For example, I saw a piece on one news program about the ad council making commercials advocating breastfeeding, but they didn't want to play them right away out of fear they would "offend" formula feeders and make them feel guilty.

I'm not sure if they have started airing or not(sadly, I haven't seen one) but they aren't getting any of the monetary gain from doctors or formula companies, so why should they be so concerned about airing the ads.

Becuase most people FF, so the journalists are FF'ers themselves. Or their moms, or sisters, or friends, etc.

I just came from a proFF board and they were up in arms about the commercials saying how ridiculous they are. They sure didn't reach them at all, it was pretty sad.

Yes, the campaign has started, there are several previous (and heated) threads on it. I haven't seen a commercial or ad for the campaign either. Since it's a public service announcement campaign, my understanding is that stations have to donate time to air them?