What can you do to stop them, re: formula samples?

[TrishWSU]

My IM {I'm a surro and IM is the baby's mom} has started receiving formula samples in the mail. One is a big can of Similac that came along with a "welcome" letter that had these lovely statements: "even exclusively breastfeeding mothers need to formula feed sometimes!" "with formula, there's no doubt as to how much your baby is eating."

Besides being total BS, it is an obvious sabotage to mothers planning to breastfeed. What can be done to stop them from sending this crap out? It's outrageous that they can get away with crap like this.

[PatioGardener]

Return them unopened. Call and demand to be taken off the mailing list AND let them know that they (the formula company) is breaking the Code. Call your Congress Person and ask them why the USA has not signed on to the Code for marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Boycott Nestles. Be angry. Spread the word.

[MommytoHHH]

I just wrote on the outside of the package (shrinkwrap) "RETURN TO SENDER" and then in smaller letters, I wrote "My baby is exclusively breastfed and does not need your formula". Then I put it in the mailbox. I did that twice and never got any more formula via mail.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by MommytoHHH

I just wrote on the outside of the package (shrinkwrap) "RETURN TO SENDER" and then in smaller letters, I wrote "My baby is exclusively breastfed and does not need your formula". Then I put it in the mailbox. I did that twice and never got any more formula via mail.

[littlecityfarmer]

I had a really hard time getting off of The List from the formula companies... I called several times, and finally reamed out the poor phone-bank lady with a very sharp lactivist-stick. I believe my heated monologue involved words like "toxic sludge" and "biohazard" among less UA-friendly terms (I know that formula isn't technically poison, and that some families do need to use it, but my family doesn't and I prefer not to have it in my house)... Since then, I haven't gotten anything from the formula companies

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

I wonder if this can be considered a form of harassment? Maybe a class action lawsuit would make them rethink their actions.

[TrishWSU]

Originally Posted by Breastfeeding Insomniac

I wonder if this can be considered a form of harassment? Maybe a class action lawsuit would make them rethink their actions.

Hmm, IF is a lawyer...maybe we should see...

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

Originally Posted by TrishWSU

Hmm, IF is a lawyer...maybe we should see...

I am very interested to see what he can find out. The formula companies violate the code and insult our intelligence with their unsolicited samples. It would serve them right if we found an effective way to fight back.
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[APmomto3boys]

Originally Posted by TrishWSU

My IM {I'm a surro and IM is the baby's mom} has started receiving formula samples in the mail. One is a big can of Similac that came along with a "welcome" letter that had these lovely statements: "even exclusively breastfeeding mothers need to formula feed sometimes!" "with formula, there's no doubt as to how much your baby is eating."

Besides being total BS, it is an obvious sabotage to mothers planning to breastfeed. What can be done to stop them from sending this crap out? It's outrageous that they can get away with crap like this.

those tactics ( the quotes) are driving me insane! This marketing scheme aimed at breastfeeding moms is disgusting!

OT: you explained IM but what do the initials actually stand for?

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

Originally Posted by APmomto3boys

those tactics ( the quotes) are driving me insane! This marketing scheme aimed at breastfeeding moms is disgusting!

OT: you explained IM but what do the initials actually stand for?

My guess was that IM is intended mother?

[TrishWSU]

Yep. IM is Intended Mother, IF is intended father, IP is intended parents...there are about a million abbreviations in the surro world!

[Da WIC Lady]

Originally Posted by TrishWSU

Yep. IM is Intended Mother, IF is intended father, IP is intended parents...there are about a million abbreviations in the surro world!

Is you IM intending to BF? If so, that would be so awesome!

Anna

[TrishWSU]

She wanted to induce, but unfortunately she is on a medication that is not safe to take while breastfeeding. I will be pumping for him, though. I hope I can make enough for all his feeding needs, but if not they have also looked into other donors so hopefully he won't ever have to have formula.

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

Thats so great that you are going to pump for the baby. Is the med a definite no-no that IM is on? So often Dr's tell a mom that but are just misinformed.

[rik8144]

I am not defending anything here.....but to the pp who said to boycott nestle....did you see that the OP said she received Similac samples. What can be done about Similac and Enfamil?

[Tine]

Originally Posted by TrishWSU

"even exclusively breastfeeding mothers need to formula feed sometimes!"

OK, now that I've blown my top, it's time for a rant. Isn't there some law against fraudulent claims in advertising?

Trish, I : you for your many gifts to IM, IP, and the blessed little baby in your belly!

[MommytoHHH]

Originally Posted by TrishWSU

"even exclusively breastfeeding mothers need to formula feed sometimes!" "with formula, there's no doubt as to how much your baby is eating."

You know, I had to come back to this thread. The packages really say that crap? An exclusively breastfed baby NEVER gets formula - that's what exclusive means... DUH. Formula company marketing tactics are just gross! I hope you're able to get the influx of formula stopped...

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by TrishWSU

I hope I can make enough for all his feeding needs, but if not they have also looked into other donors so hopefully he won't ever have to have formula.

[CalebsMome]

I'd just like to say that the night I stopped pumping for DS was the night he took a whole bottle of Nestle GoodStart and was just as satisfied as with my breastmilk. He is almost 2 and it still makes me angry that ALL those cans of formula and packets of formula were sent to my door and home with me from the hospital. We had NO money at the time, but did have a VERY nice breast pump. If that formula hadn't been there, I would not have had an option but to keep pumping and working on DS's latch issues. They are EVIL I tell you. I've had post-non-lactating depression ever since that last pumping session. I regret that FAR more than not fighting against my c-section. DS would have been such a GOOD breastfeeding baby as he is SO snuggly.

[funkygranolamama]

when i was in the hospital with my last dc, the nurse said "i'll be right back with your goodie basket". I said "I don't think I want your goodie basket. No thanks, I'm breastfeeding". She said, "Oh! It's for breastfeeding moms, too!. I was all excited and she brought back the basket. The only thing in it NOT related to formula feeding was a little bear with the hospital name on it. Needless to say, I left it behind.