Grrrr... Motherhood Maternity

[annettemarie]

The hubby forgot to tell me we have a wedding to go to tonight, so I had to get something to wear since I am rapidly expanding out of my old clothes. Motherhood Maternity is pretty much the only game in town. We have an Old Navy coming, and I'm praying they have maternity, but that's beside the point.

While checking out...
HER: Can I have your phone number?
ME: We don't give that out.
HER: Okay. Your name and address?
ME (laughing): We don't give out our phone number; why would I give you my name and address?!?
HER: Well, we need it so we can send you free coupons and samples.
ME: Like free formula? No thank you. I like your clothes, but I think it's unethical that you sell out pregnant women to the formula industry.
HER (shrugging): Most people like it. And lots of women can't nurse.
ME: That's not true. Statistically, it's only a very small percentage of women who are physically incapable of breastfeeding.
HER: Well, my mother couldn't nurse and neither could my grandmother.
ME: Wow. Is it something genetic in your family?
HER: Huh? No, they just didn't make enough milk.
ME: More likely they didn't get enough support. If you start giving away LLL memberships or discounts on breast pumps, then I'll give you my address.

Now imagine how that conversation would have went with a non-Lactivist customer. :

It's bad enough they are in bed with the formula company, but every single time I go, I have this conversation (granted, that's been three or four times in five years, but still.) Every. Time. At the very least, they should make it clear to their sales clerks that they shouldn't be spouting off their so-called knowledge about breastfeeding.

Please write!

http://www.promom.org/3min/3min_moth...nity_may02.htm

[rmzbm]

There are days I'd welcome the, er..."opportunity"...to have such a conversation. :

But, alas, I never shopped in one of their stores, just ordered throught their catalog - maybe next baby...

[aprilushka]

Hmmm... I think I gave them my phone no. this last pregnancy but didn't get any free formula samples, etc. NOne at all through pregnancy. I think that's because I didn't see an OB or mw that was billing insurance. Last time, with an OB, I got a ton.

So maybe they don't do that?

But the conversation is sort of disturbing.

[rmzbm]

They definatly do it...and happily admit it.

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by aprilushka

Hmmm... I think I gave them my phone no. this last pregnancy but didn't get any free formula samples, etc. NOne at all through pregnancy. I think that's because I didn't see an OB or mw that was billing insurance. Last time, with an OB, I got a ton.

So maybe they don't do that?

But the conversation is sort of disturbing.

They don't give out your phone number, but yes, the absolutely do sell your name and address to Similac (and others, Parenting magazine maybe?)

[aprilushka]

I wonder how I escaped.:

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by aprilushka

I wonder how I escaped.:

Luck.

[prettypixels]

I did the same thing when they asked for my phone number, except I just said "No thanks, you're probably just going to send me a bunch of formula samples I don't want anyways!"

Good for you for giving that chick an education

[paxye]

I had the exact conversation but at Thyme Mat....

I had to give Motherhood Mat my # and address etc when they made a mistake on my bill and needed to correct it... at least that was what they told me and I needed to get out of there so I gave it to them.... thankfully I never got anything in the mail....

[AmieV]

they definitely do. I didn't give them my info the first time but did this time... I'm donating all my free formula to a homeless shelter that esp caters to moms. It is disgusting how much I have gotten. They could feed a LOT of hungry impoverished babies with what they're giving away.

[runes]

ugh, those at motherhood are at it again, i see.

here's a conversation i had with a motherhood employee back in the day when i was pregnant.

EMP: what is your phone number?
ME: i don't give it out. the last time i gave you my number i told you i didn't want any samples and i just got an unwanted subscription to parenting last week.
EMP: ok then, can i have your address?
ME: if i give it to you, can you promise me right here that i won't get any magazines or formula samples?
EMP: why wouldn't you want the formula? it's free!
ME: so's my breastmilk, and it's a heck of a lot better for my baby than anything in a can.
EMP: <huff>

then recently i was in pea in the pod looking for a nice nursing top for myself.

ME: all of the pajamas here are really nice but do you have any regular nursing tops?
EMP: we really don't have a market for that.
ME: well, i'm asking if there are any nice nursing tops available at all?
EMP: no, we only carry what our customers ask for.
ME: i'm asking.
EMP: there's no market for it.
ME: (in my head): there's a market for $200 juicy couture maternity sweatpants but a girl can't get a good-looking nursing shirt. where are all the nursing mamas?
ME (out loud): it would be nice to be able to find some dressier nursing tops.
EMP: <huff> <sigh> <massive eyeroll>

[TigerTail]

The last time I asked that question in a maternity consignment store they thought I was looking for scrubs. Sigh.

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by TigerTail

The last time I asked that question in a maternity consignment store they thought I was looking for scrubs. Sigh.

That's funny... but horrible... but funny... but horrible...

[jeanine123]

Yep, cash only, no phone number and no address. Just said no thanks and nothing more was mentioned, except for the one clerk who told me that without my address I couldn't return the top I was buying....umm, can't return it anyway since it's on clearance.....

[luv my lil pearl]

Although they don't have a "store" anymore - Motherwear is great. And they "know" breastfeeding.

http://www.motherwear.com

They also carry maternity stuff too. And, if you sign up for their e-mails, you'll receive promo codes very frequently. I am giving my catalog to my MIL -- so that she knows what to buy me for Christmas (Since she's always wondering what to get me.)

Yeah - forget Motherhood Maternity. They're useless.

[NCMommax2]

I always tell them that my number is unlisted. The last time I went I said that and she proceded to try and get my address....

"but don;t you want the rewards program?"

A VERY STERN (but polite) "No Thank You."

"Well, I have to ask....blah blah blah...."

Whatever!!

[kalisis]

The clerks at my local motherhood store basically won't let you pay unless you give them that information.

It's so awful...

[KatWrangler]

Woo Hoo! I thought you gave great responses!

[Kama82]

Motherhood employees are always rude to me. When I was about 5 months pregnant I went and bought some maternity clothes and I (stupidly) signed up for their rewards club or whatever I still get parenting magazine and I have never paid for it, I don't know how to cancel it but it ends up going directly into the recycling bin every month.
The second time I went I was 10 days overdue and I wanted to pick up a nursing bra so I would have a bra to leave the hospital in. Well the only one they had in my size was an underwire which wasnt ideal but I needed it right away and it was only going to be on the ride home.
When I went up the the register the chick starts yelling at me about how I NEED a sleep bra and I BETTER not wear that one to bed. I was so embarassed and didnt want to say they didn't have a sleep bra in my size and that I sleep braless anyway (gasp).

[Peony]

I desperately needed a long sleeve shirt on our last vacation and I could only find Motherhood stores. I refused to give out my # and address, the clerk didn't want to ring up my shirt, and of course there was no manager to talk to. So I made up a phone number and gave it out. I've been crossing my fingers that it was someone with no use for formula.