WTH?!?!?! "Helpful" Coupons at Albertson's

[PreciousTreasures]

I went to albertson's (major grocery store chain here) the other day for groceries. I bought breast milk storage bags because I pump at work. So when we check out the computerized cash register prints out coupons based on what you buy. When the guy scanned my milk bags the d@mn computer printed out TWO coupons for FORMULA!!! AGGGGHHHHHH!!!! The stupid things said "Breastfeeding? Formula? Many women use both!" Then had a picture of this happy smiling healthy-looking baby; like the poor thing was sooooo happy to get both. WTH?

[*Aimee*]

I hate them so bad. My son was FF and horribly allergic to all but one kind, but especially allergic to Enfamil. Every time we'd buy him formula a stupid enfamil coupon would print off saying how your baby would be so much smarter and healthier if only you'd feed him Enfamil. It had charts with the different IQ numbers. I called the company and Enfamil to complain about their formula almost killing my child then having to put up with this crap every week. Ugh.

[SeekingSerenity]

I don't know who programs that stuff, but it seems to me that many times the computers are designed to offer coupons in direct opposition to what you've purchased. Like competition, etc. If I buy Huggies, they'll print out a coupon for Pampers, that sort of thing.

So it doesn't surprise me that if you buy BFing supplies, you'll get a coupon for bottle-feeding supplies. Although it's offensive and stupid, IMO, to simply assume all BFing moms supplement with formula. It's these assumptions in our society that make it so hard to change the way childbirth and child-feeding are handled.

I tend to forget, interacting mainly with the natural-minded mamas on MDC, that most of the world doesn't do things like me. When notifying my insurance company that I was pregnant and needed coverage, they automatically enrolled me in several formula-company programs that give coupons in the mail, even though I told them I was going to BF. They also sent me a coupon for an insulated bottle travel-bag, and a book that included what to ask your doctor, how to choose your pain relief in labor, what to take to the hospital and how to decide whether or not a C-Section is best for you. Despite the fact that I informed them I would be using a midwife (out-of network, of course). I was also given a complimentary subscription to American Baby magazine, which goes in the trash with the formula coupons.

Perhaps, if you get enough formula coupons, you could donate them to a local women's shelter. It's a thought. The ones I get in the mail are made out specifically to me. Otherwise that's what I'd do. I've been in those shelters. The women who need formula in there are past the point of being able to change their minds... they just need help with their current situations. So maybe some good could come of it. Some shelters have to buy occasional stuff as basic supplies, and those coupons may come in handy for that type of purchase.

[maine06]

That happens to me, too, and I get so peeved. In fact, the other day I bought a new breastpump at the grocery store, and got formula coupons. COME. ON. DH saw them, looked at me and said "you're going to be so pi$$ed!" He was right

Not sure there's anything we can do, I'm pretty sure it's a computer algortihm thingy...

[marisa724]

I hate those sort of things too, but it's not Albertsons -- it's the company they use to print those coupons. I think it might be "Catalina" or something like that?

Anyway, as a PP said, they are programmed in a lot of cases to print out 'opposing' coupons -- i.e. formula when you buy BFing supplies, but also Cascade when you buy Sunlight dish detergent and stuff like that.

I actually cashed in on that a couple of weeks ago when Horizon organic milk was on sale -- every time I bought more I got a $1 off coupon for Stonyfield organic milk. When the sale on Horizon was over, I stocked up on Stonyfield. Organic milk is expensive!

Any coupons I can't use usually I'll leave them at the end of the register for someone else. Except the formula coupons, I tend to trash those.