Babies R Us? experiences?

[Maggi315]

HI
Just wondering if anyone has experiences going to the babies r us stuff they do? One of my friends mentioned it to me that maybe we should call and find out about doing a talk or something? I have never been to anything, not sure how it works? I have ameda pumps, not medela, but I could certainly talk about other things, breastfeeding in general, whatever.

any experiences? do you just call them up? thanks!

[moonglowmama]

They're generally very happy to have local birth and breastfeeding experts come to talk. And the women/couples who come will probably be thrilled to hear your perspective. Try to give appropriate referrals. Like if you're talking about breastfeeding, have a flyer with LLL meeting times and locations and phone numbers. Or find out what other support services are in your area, like birth education organizations, or attachment parenting int'l. That's great information that is difficult to get out and the babies r us seminars are a good way to go about it.

[heamae]

Maybe its just the BRU here but they are not very natural minded at all. They had a birth thing recently that was put on by the local hospital. Very medically minded. I asked why they didnt ask LLL to be there and they didnt have an answer. I also asked why they didnt carry any LLL published books and again didnt have an answer. Good luck though!!!

[balancedmama]

I have heard poor reviews on these events. I was told by another doula that most moms there just wanted free stuff, including formula samples. It is hard to know if it's worth it or not. I guess check their fee, determine how valuable your time is, and go from there.

[Rockies5]

they have no fees.

you also cannot charge any fees.

the only problem that we have had here is the local lack of promoting their own fairs.

It's free publicity

[jeninejessica]

Originally Posted by Rockies5

they have no fees.

you also cannot charge any fees.

the only problem that we have had here is the local lack of promoting their own fairs.

It's free publicity

I wanted to second this (for my area anyways). I attended one of these last year for the company I work for (maternity clothing), and I ended up being the only person there! They had huge banners in the store advertising "baby fair", but no other 'booths' set up except for mine. When I got there in the morning, they even had to go search out a table for me to sit at.

I had 7 people stop all day. And 4 of them were pity stops, who just didn't want me to feel lonely.

If your local store promotes it well- then it could be a fantastic opportunity to show others "another way" even if all they went in anticipating was free formula- they may come out with a whole new viewpoint!

[JessicaE]

I've done informational seminars about natural birth at Babies R Us (had 8 moms come, several with partners). Those seem pretty successful, although I do a lot of my own marketing for them (press releases, postcards around town, etc.). If nothing else, it's a chance for prospective students I'm already in touch with to get a preview of what I do. I haven't had a "cold" attendee turn into a student or doula client, however.

I've also had several booths at their "baby fests." I find them totally hit or miss. One will be completely dead, with just a few people stopping by my booth. Then I'll hit one that's really busy with a lot of great prospects. The last one I did was a really good one, with about 10 valid "leads" and two that turned into students in my class. And there are always plenty that turn up their noses, "Oh noooooo, I won't be needing a doula or natural birth class... I'm getting the epiDURAL."

[SublimeBirthGirl]

One month might be great, another crappy. I have had several couples take my classes from BRU events. Some stores have great staff (the contact person here is the promotions coordinator) and for some it's like a revolving door.

[Mina]

I've only done one. The coordinator was very friendly and helpful; since she (rightly) felt we'd get less recognition, she gave us a primo spot where everyone was guaranteed to at least see us. Overall, though, it was frustrating as most people who stopped to talk with us or look at the pictures/books thought midwifery was weird/scary and I had to hear a lot of, "my doctor is inducing us at 38 weeks, not sure why, but... he is the doctor! Hehe. He knows better than anyone."

[sacredma]

i've done a few and nothing ever came out of them. they were often poorly attended by participants as well as shoppers.
i did a breastfeeding on at b rus and sitting next to me was a formula company!!!!!! oy