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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not have a problem with this voucher which allows poorer mothers to purchase, amongst other things, formula?

64 replies

dizietsma · 29/09/2010 19:04

The offending voucher.

Someone I know has a serious issue with this because it mentions that you may use the voucher to buy formula. It doesn't say you must buy formula, and in fact you could look at it as a better deal for breastfeeders as they can spend it on other things for their baby apart from formula.

I think she's overreacting, AIBU?

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 29/09/2010 19:06

I'd say it's classed as promotion of formula

StealthPolarBear · 29/09/2010 19:07

and "it's" shouldn't have an apostrophe Angry

Original poster
dizietsma · 29/09/2010 19:07

Why?

OP posts:
wigglesrock · 29/09/2010 19:09

It's a gift voucher that allows you to buy formula among other things, I would kiss the feet of anyone who bought me such a useful baby present.

You can buy formula with a Boots /Tescos/Sainsburys etc gift card what's the difference?

warthog · 29/09/2010 19:10

yanbu

you can buy nappies with it too.

if it were ONLY for formula it might be a problem, unless it was from a formula company, in which case, why shouldn't they issue vouchers for formula?

kellimay · 29/09/2010 19:10

As someone who uses these vouchers, i personally cant see the problem, my son never took to breast feeding so formula was the only option, its expensive so i see them as a great help. They can also be used for fresh milk which my DD has and fresh fruit & veg. I dont think YABU at all

BelleDameSansMerci · 29/09/2010 19:14

I can't see a problem with it. Some people need formula; some people choose formula. Can't see why it's anyone else's business if someone chooses to buy formula with these vouchers.

BertieBotts · 29/09/2010 19:16

The OP isn't referring to healthy start vouchers, kellimay. (I thought so too at first).

BTW if you're viewing on 1024x768 screen resolution don't click on the thumbnail of the image, it's so big that it goes off the page and the only way to get rid of it is to close the window Hmm

I don't see the problem with it, as long as it isn't JUST for fomula, and can be used on any brand. Like the healthy start vouchers.

kellimay · 29/09/2010 19:19

Ahh...didnt see the link for the image.
Note to self...Open your eyes before your mouth!!

chocolatebourbon · 29/09/2010 19:40

"Vital essentials..such as..powdered milk"..yep, I have an issue with that.

Original poster
dizietsma · 29/09/2010 19:45

"You can buy formula with a Boots /Tescos/Sainsburys etc gift card what's the difference?"

"I don't see the problem with it, as long as it isn't JUST for fomula, and can be used on any brand. Like the healthy start vouchers."

See, that's what I think. Apparently describing formula as a "vital necessity" is the issue. I think that's a bit nit picky TBH.

OP posts:
Original poster
dizietsma · 29/09/2010 19:46

OK, Chocolatebourbon, why? I mean, for those who are ff, it is a vital necessity, right?

OP posts:
Original poster
dizietsma · 29/09/2010 19:49

I mean, it's just an example of what you can use the voucher for, not a ringing endorsement of ff.

OP posts:
prozacfairy · 29/09/2010 19:50

but... formula IS a vital necessity if you do not breastfeed. What do they expect non breastfeeding mothers to do? feed their babies on thin air? Hmm

YANBU btw.

MilaMae · 29/09/2010 19:55

Chocolate formula was vital to me,my dd was so ill without it she ended up in SCBU.

When my twin boys were born I was getting through 2 tins a week,when dd was born a year later all 3 were in nappies.I'd have been soooooo grateful for a voucher like that,what a fab idea.

Formula is bloody expensive,if you're using it you're using it. Why shouldn't friends and family help out with it if they wish?

Bloody cheek having an issue with it. It's somebody else's baby and their friend/family's money anybody with an issue needs to but out quite frankly.

sunny2010 · 29/09/2010 19:55

I dont see anything wrong with it. I chose to FF and would of appreciated that voucher had someone bought it for me. If you didnt want to use it for that it does say you can use it for other things so I think your friend is being unreasonable.

TorcherQueenie · 29/09/2010 20:08

Absolutly nothing wrong with it, why should mothers who can't or choose not to breastfed be treated as an underclass of society? I couldn't BF DD as she just wasn't having any of my massive boobs smothering her face. I can remeber sitting in bed sobbing my heart out on the ward the night DD was born asking the nurse if I was a bad mother if I FF her. I felt I was letting her down by not being able to do it but she was screaming to be fed I've never gotten over that guilt. :(

domeafavour · 29/09/2010 20:10

fgs....... nothing wrong with it

laweaselmys · 29/09/2010 20:13

I think your friend is being a self-righteous twat to be totally honest.

angelberry · 29/09/2010 20:14

Chocolatebourbon, why? Formula milk is an essential to me. What is your problem exactly?

HumphreyCobbler · 29/09/2010 20:14

how are mothers who formula feed treated as an underclass? They are in the majority. I never felt as if I was an underclass when I fed DS.

the constant undermining of breastfeeding is a different matter though, although I don't actually have a problem with the voucher

tiredemma · 29/09/2010 20:17

Your friend needs to get a life.

Galena · 29/09/2010 20:18

MilaMae - Chocolate formula sounds good! (I know, you were replying to Chocolate, but it just made me chuckle!)

angelberry · 29/09/2010 20:19

Anyway,I've read that link, and it doesn't seem to be a voucher. It's one of those charity gifts...you donate £10, which is spent on essentials for a needy family (poss including formula milk) and then get a card to give to someone to say you've donated on their behalf.

sloanypony · 29/09/2010 20:20

The "vital essential" bit is bad wording rather than a satanesque ploy to undermine breastfeeding I suspect.

It should probably be reworded but I dont see why a voucher that you pay money to buy for someone can't be used to buy formula - if you buy them a boots voucher they can, in fact, nobody would stop you going into Tesco and picking up a tin of SMA either!

Technically bad but I honestly think in this country with breastfeeding being undermined in so many other ways, and it being culturally so "abnormal" a choice etc etc, those wishing to promote and not undermine breastfeeding should choose to fight another battle - one of the more challenging ones, like the attitudes of people who think its pervy or icky, that kind of thing. Give yourself a challenge I say.