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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it is shocking boots don't give points on first formula

384 replies

Mrswhiskerson · 07/09/2011 14:34

This was brought to my attention again because a friend of mine has just had a baby tried to breastfeed suffered mastitis and started feeling really down so she switched to formula, when she handed over her advantage card she was told points were not given on first formula , she felt bad enough she could not breast feed and now it feels like she is getting penalised for it elsewhere.

I found the same thing when I had ds a year ago when I was told ,you don't get points for first milk I felt really bad too it's like your being punished for not breastfeeding in a way .

This is in no way a bf vs ff debate I just think it's wrong of boots to do this.

OP posts:
Lainey1981 · 07/09/2011 14:35

AFAIK they are not allowed to do this by law ( or any other retailer) as they can't be seen to promote formula feeding before 6 months

soverylucky · 07/09/2011 14:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DawnTiggaWeirdyBeardy · 07/09/2011 14:35

They are complying with the guidelines for selling formula.

YANBUTiggaxx

broomformychin · 07/09/2011 14:36

Isn't it because of government regulations? There not allowed to be seen as promoting formula feeding I think.

Kayano · 07/09/2011 14:36

I think that's wrong too! Didn't even
Know about it!!!

DawnTiggaWeirdyBeardy · 07/09/2011 14:36

Crap that should be:

YABU

BuggeritTiggaxx

newbroom · 07/09/2011 14:36

I don't think it's just Boots, I'm sure there's some legislation in the UK that forbids any kind of reward scheme, discounts etc for formula. Same with not being allowed to advertise first milk.

Filibear · 07/09/2011 14:36

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet for breaking our Talk Guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

soverylucky · 07/09/2011 14:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RedOnion · 07/09/2011 14:37

In fairness you don't get "points" of any kind for breastfeeding so perhaps they are approaching it from this angle. If you choose to FF (and I did so I am NOT having a pop at anyone) then why should you be rewarded more than someone who BFs. I doubt very much it is do with them "punishing" the evil formula feeders Smile

DontCallMeFrothyDragon · 07/09/2011 14:37

Tesco don't, either. Nor Sainsbury's, I believe.

It's because the World Health Organisation ruled that 1st milk should not be part of a promotion, formula, etc, in an attempt to encourage more women to breastfeed. I'm mixed on the idea, TBH.

Kayano · 07/09/2011 14:37

I don't see it as promoting formula, but they give
Points for every thing else baby related? I think it's slightly unfair. Ppl are not going to ditch BF for some boots points surely?!

rushofbloodtothefeet · 07/09/2011 14:37

More here. Warning: DM alert, usual emotive, far side of reason rules apply

Insomnia11 · 07/09/2011 14:37

They don't give points for medicines either.

icooksocks · 07/09/2011 14:38

Its seen as promoting formula and is against the law.
YABU

MrsTittleMouse · 07/09/2011 14:38

It's not Boots fault. They aren't allowed to, it's illegal for them to have any kind of incentive or sale on formula milk.

Given the history of some of the companies that make formula, I think that it's a good law. I have nothing against formula milk itself, or anyone who wants to give their baby formula (or who uses it against their will because breastfeeding didn't work out for them), but the formula companies I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw.

RealityVonCrapp · 07/09/2011 14:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsJamesMartin · 07/09/2011 14:38

Its the same everywhere. There are regualtions that do not allow rewrds for buying formula, it is never ( or should never be ) sold at a marked down price or included in offers for the same reason

rushofbloodtothefeet · 07/09/2011 14:38

Wow you lot are quick!

KAZAMM · 07/09/2011 14:38

It's not just boots It's tesco and all other places where you get points on your shopping. Think it's to do with advertising and they can't be seen to be promoting first stage formula over breastfeeding.

It's not a dig at formula feeders and I think you're being a bit sensitive to perceive it that way.

Callisto · 07/09/2011 14:39

How on earth is it penalising her fgs. I think your friend is being really over-sensitive on this, and so are you.

StrikeUpTheBand · 07/09/2011 14:39

It's something to do with the law...the jist being that you are not allowed to have offers on first milks.

I don't exactly see how that is penalising or punishing anyone...if you were breastfeeding they wouldn't scan your boobs for you and then add lots of points to your advantage card would they?! (or at least they didn't with me!).

DontCallMeFrothyDragon · 07/09/2011 14:40

Before I get flamed, the reason I'm mixed is because formula milk seems so expensive these days.

When I was working at Boots, it cost £5.49 a tin. Two years later, when DS was born, it cost over £8.00 a tin. Even as a breastfeeding mum, I felt this was a bit much, considering.

HeadfirstForHalos · 07/09/2011 14:40

No store is allowed to give points for formula as it is seen to be promoting it which isn't allowed. That's also why you never get offers on 1st formula too

caughtinanet · 07/09/2011 14:40

I remember contributing to a very long discussion with an op worded almost exactly the same as this one and the bottom line is that legislation doesn't allow any kind of promotion on first formula.

Its not worth moaning - you (and the baby) just need to suck it up Grin

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