formula

[Emma2506]

Ok so I don't want to turn this into a whole ff vs bf war but I find it highly offensive to ff mums who can't collect advantage points/clubcard points, shops aren't allowed to have any offers on etc for formula. I understand it's the LAW but why is it acceptable to have deals on alcohol yet ff mums are penalised for choosing to ff or not being able physically able to bf? I know the excuse is shops promote breast feeding but I'm struggling to get my head around why a bf mum would buy formula just because it's on offer if she is doing well bf and it's FREE!

I understand where people are coming from and I'm no fan of formula companies. I maintain though that to the consumer - who may well be a new mum struggling to get over disappointment over BF failure - it can give the message that there's something wrong with formula. This is especially relevant when you consider that there aren't many other products that you can buy which are not eligible for loyalty points. I think it's a confusing message when things like alcohol / high sugar foods are eligible for loyalty points when formula isn't.

Overall I think it's an interesting debate which relevant points on both side.

I find it annoying too. Almost as if formula feeding is dirty and unsavoury.

300 extra advantage card points with your purchase of X first milk anyone?

Yeah and? If someone wants to bf that's not going to put them off!

I agree catsmeow

If not being able to collect points when buying formula upsets a mother so much then I think perhaps that mother ought to speak to her HV or GP and get help for possible depression.

That is not what anyone is saying. But discounting is harmful to bf. Studies prove it.

"Harmful to breastfeeding"? So it's okay for women to make a choice, but only if they choose breastfeeding? Otherwise if we are all for women making their own choices formula would be like any other product

Ignoring any impact on breastfeeding...

Allowing promotions/points etc won't make formula milk cheaper. If companies wanted to sell it cheaper, or if there was effective competition between them, the actual unit price would be lower. If they are allowed to do promotions/market etc it won't magically make them more competitive (in fact it could make the true price harder to see so actually make them less competitive). They aren't charities, they want to make as much profit as they can, so they'll raise the unit price. Overall the amount you have to spend won't change much, you'll just have to spend loads of time shopping around for the best "deal".

Some interesting points made.
All I was trying to say was the government and these company's do make it sound like your harming your child by ff. I think there is way too much pressure put on mums about bf and I think it's unnecessary. Yes we all know 'breast is best' but in my opinion I don't always think that this is the case. My whole point about alcohol was just that you can buy alcohol on offer yet you can't get formula on offer. Formula is a must have for some mums yet piss heads can walk into a supermarket and get offers on booze

That's a little bit flippant, Mouse. I'm not arguing for one minute that it's about the points themselves (which are generally worth very little) it's the impression that's given about formula when it's excluded that could affect people. A couple of close friends of mine were really cut up about their failure to BF (both really, really tried) and I don't think this sort of thing helps.

Part of the reason formula is currently so expensive is because formula companies spend millions highlighting the very minor differences between their follow on brands. Advertising helps consumers when it's informative but this sort of bullshit marketing just raises costs (and therefore prices) and doesn't really help customers at all since the different brands are essentially the same.

I think it's because formula is essential/ a "must" that promotions aren't allowed. It forces formula companies/retailers to compete on keeping the everyday price low.

I find it highly offensive to ff mums who can't collect advantage points/clubcard points

Really? I mean, really?

I think we've reached the very first of first world problems. Fuck's sake.

That should have been I find it highly offensive to ff mums who can't collect advantage points/clubcard points in bold.

^^

MiaowTheCat Our names!

I agree with your points

Yes Miaow. Public policy is drawn up just to piss you off. Not detailed research data or anything.

It has fuck all to do with formula being a great product and everything to do with the companies being very ruthless.

I don't suppose it would be ethical to collect point on formula which would essentially be advertising it.

I'm also realising more and more that mums are too often manipulated into ff as the 'easy and convenient' option.

Anyway can't you get milk vouchers if you're on certain benefits?

Although, isn't collecting point on crisps, sweets and sugary drinks as bad?

I understand not collecting points for formula

But say I have £10 on my boots card from buying cosmetics, why can't I use those on formula?

Yes we all know 'breast is best' but in my opinion I don't always think that this is the case.

Well which is it?

Breast IS best, that's why millions is spent on encouraging mothers to breastfeed. Nearly all mothers CAN breastfeed, albeit some with difficulty, but many CHOOSE formula. Their body, their baby, their choice.
But formula IS NOT as good for babies as breastmilk, and so mothers should not be 'incentivised' to CHOOSE formula.

If you choose to formula feed your baby, or if you are in the very small minority of women who cannot breastfeed, then it should be celebrated that there is a safe alternative readily available.

But to be honest, I get a little angry at this attitude from people who do not breastfeed -
You won't ever win this one on here - they're too pro-breastfeeding in their little bubbles to ever concede formula feeders get a shit deal and harassed for their choices too. Oh and they have the fucking WHO guidelines memorized and probably framed in their houses.

the "my child is only a nuclear physicist because I breastfed" anecdotes that are deemed gospel here

It's petty and childish.
If you want to formula feed, then that's your choice. Make your peace with it and move on without feeling the need to insult other women who choose differently.
Imagine someone who breastfed their baby talking about mothers who formula feed in this degrading way?

MiaowtheCat

I ff all three of my kids. Stop speaking on behalf of all ff parents would you? You're making us look like idiots. You certainly don't speak on my behalf, thanks.

This site is neither pro-bf or pro-ff in my experience. There are extreme dickheads on both sides of the debate. None of them represent everyone else on 'their' side.

What I have noticed here is if anyone pops up being a dick about either bf or ff they get told to do one by the normal 'just feed your baby and keep yourself sane' posters.

Oh, and I don't feel remotely short-changed in not getting Advantage points for my formula either.

What a ridiculous (and goady, from an OP how only joined three weeks ago and HAS NO KIDS) argument.

I was a formula feeder and don't think we are penalised by not getting points or offers on formula milk. Still far too bloody expensive though.

Imagine someone who breastfed their baby talking about mothers who formula feed in this degrading way? Was it irony?