Six days after my baby was born, I got two free cans of formula with "complete feeding advice & resources" in the mail.
First of all, it pisses me off that someone sold my information to a formula company- not sure if it was a store where we registered or the hospital itself, but I don't like it.
How is targeted marketing like this okay? We know breast feeding is best for mom & baby, yet so many women in this country don't succeed in their breast feeding goals. Possibly because of things like this!
If I was struggling with breast feeding (it's going well, btw), having free formula in the house might be the reason I decide to give up.
It makes me mad that companies can profit this way, and that our culture is seemingly okay with it. Why is it so hard to breastfeed, but so easy to give in and use formula? I say we need more support for nursing moms, not more formula coupons and "advice" from companies trying to make a buck.
Rant over.
I saw the title "Rant" and knew exactly what this post would be. :)
ReplyDeleteI just got an e-mail from Enfamil saying since I am in my 8th month I need to get me some formula!
I could argue the opposite side, saying it's good we have easy access to assistance for moms who *need* formula, but of course I'm on your side, and think it likely sways a lot of moms who are struggling to give up on breastfeeding. I had tons of formula I had gotten free in my pantry just in case there were some sort of emergency (and I did have to use it for one feeding when I was trying to correct my oversupply and swung the other way and had no milk), and I will admit, I thought about it sometimes ... it's RIGHT THERE. I could just USE IT. Other moms who don't have support or resources to keep trying would be apt to do just that, I'm sure.
My kiddo isn't even due for another 19 weeks and I've already received three boxes of "stuff" from formula companies...
ReplyDeleteI think I received my first box around 14 weeks.
I got the same box! I wonder how I got it too.
ReplyDeleteI worry about breastfeeding, but I've heard that the hospital we're going to is really helpful and supportive with very good lactation consultants. So I hope that it will all go well! I'm glad to hear it's going well for you.
Hi Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Harriet(my niece's SIL.)
I breastfed all 3 of of my kids, bottle feeding didn't even enter mind. My kids are all healthy adults now, 40,35 & 33. If you do need to use formula in case of some emergency, there are some homemade recipes out there.
@ Suze - don't worry about it, start out with a positive attitude about it and you'll have no problem. If you do have any, contact the LaLeche Leaque in your area, they'll help you out. http://www.llli.org/
Oh, their cookbook, Whole Foods for The Whole Family is great!