To be annoyed at Boots Advantage Points policy discriminating against formula feeding

[alicet]

Recently found out that Boots don't give advantage points for formula for babies under 6 months. When I asked why I was told 'because we promote breast feeding'.

I guess they can give their points to whoever the hell they like as it is an extra but this really riled me. I am all for promoting bf but this isn't doing that - it's stigmatising ff. Promoting bf would be to give double points for bf stuff like pads / pumps etc.

Anyway thought no more of it until the next time I was in Boots and wasn't allowed to buy my ds's formula with the points I have acrued. this REALLY annoyed me as I have earnt them spending money in Boots and feel I should be able to spend these on whatever I like!

So AIBU? I don't want this to turn into a ff v bf debate - I bf my ds1 for nearly 6 months so am all for it - just didn't work out for us this time. And very pro them promoting it. Just don't think this is... Thoughts?

Is it just formula for under 6 month olds that they don't give you points for

There are another couple of things - prescription meds is one. Sorry can't remember the rest but when I looked on Boots website the other things I could understand. Just annoyed about the formula one!

I think that it is illegal to promote formula in any way, alicet.

I think its because it comes under the ban on promoting formula for under 6 months old so it is actually illegal for them to give points on it (but are presumably turning it around so they look 'good' !)

Is it not something to with teh rules regarding promotion/reductions/offers on baby milk.

Message withdrawn

It might be illegal as it might count as discounting formula (as obviously the points you accrue have monetary value)
Wouldn't be surprised if Tesco & Sainsbury's are the same

yeah...it's a bit po-faced of them
i mean, if you're breastfeeding, you're not going to be tempted to stop by a few advantage points, are you?
they can do more promotion by offering advice leaflets and places to breastfeed in store
maybe write to them

Giving advantage points for formula milk might be seen as promoting formula feeding for babies under 6 months, which is against the WHO code on the marketing of f/milk. Shops are not allowed to offer discounts on such milks, so presumably can't offer any other sort of bonus.

Boots are only complying with the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes www.ibfan.org/english/issue/code01.html

It could be construed as a form of advertising to offer points on infant formula, and thus against the law, so they might not have any choice in the matter.

YNBU, agree that they should double up points for bf products and not take away points for ff, not everyone is able to bf, not everyone wants to, seems very unfair to me.

Message withdrawn

huge x post!!

it is not stigmatising formula feeding it is staying within the law of promoting formula.

It is illegal! It is a promotion.
Shops are not allowed to discount formula either or do offers like 2 for 1.

oh...i think, annoying as it is, that's fair enough, then
although, i was buying some medised and didn't offer my advantage card, as they never used to put points on for OTC or prescription meds, and apparently now they do give you points for OTC, which i found rather surprising

My god this post moved on quick, there where no replies whne i started typing my short reply!

woops, International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

they'd get into deep sh*t if they gave points for formula

How could it be ILLEGAL to have promotions on formula? I mean thats like putting it in the same class as heroin or something?!? OK so I'm probably being a bit over dramatic but thats just ridiculous.

But if this is the case I understand why of course. Just a bit at this!

Do they give points on stage 3 formula? I can't remember.

As formula is an artificial product manufactured to replace a natural bodily fluid I don't think you should get points on it, any more than people requiring insulin would. I've always thought formula should be on prescription anyway which might sort out the marketing issues.