Bounty & Emma's Diary - should i sign up?

[Bump2012]

I'm new to this and would love some advice - should i sign up to Emma's Diary and Bounty? Any thoughts greatly appreciated as i really dont know whether to join or not. TIA

I signed up to Emma's Diary last year when I was pregnant in a fit of over-enthusiasm and promise of freebies and later miscarried. The baby bottle I got through the post and the random phone calls for months afterwards, although totally unintended and with no malice on their side, were really upsetting so I'm not signing up this time.

The actual diary bit is beyond hilarious though. How has she survived pre-pregnancy being that ditzy?

heavens!! I had no idea what Bounty was until I was accosted on the maternity ward - still didn't, but assumed as they were there in NHS hospital it was some sort of official thing. I did find the website helpful a few times but only because I was clueless and had no idea that other forums were available! I wouldn't do it again. Online advice is handy but you have already found here haven't you! the 'pack' is not worth much.

i didn't put my phone number down and get a weekly email, and then get offers more often.

i read the "update" and then delete, and usually delete the offers.

im the same i didnt put my number so no phone calls but do get the odd thing through the post as i must of forgot to untick or tick the box.

I think DH wanted to flatten the bounty lady after I'd had DS. I was finally sleeping after being awake and in labour for three days and she trundled in with a photographer wanting to flog us photos. She got a very short 'no' and DH closed the curtain in her face. I can't believe hospitals allow it tbh,

Apparently the hospital get money from the photo sales, or so I read.

I would recommend signing up to pampers, I didn't pay full price for a pack of nappies until DD1 was about 6 months old.

Just wanted to throw in my tuppence, during my first pregnancy I was 18 years old, scared and alone, I could have jammed that book so far up Emma's nostril...... calming breath My advice going forward would be get your support here online and there are lots of week by week guide online and if you want free baby things try free cycle.

Yes, give them your details. Again....

To be very honest with you, third time round I really wouldn't bother, the amount of crap they sent you is stupid, what for a trial nappy and a barbie sized pot of sudocream?
They're probably responsible for destroying half the rainforest single handedly with all the shit they send out.

fred - good point.
We haven't finished the barbie sudocrem yet, but that's mainly because we've got a couple of real jars of the stuff (DH, being a postie, often gets chafing on his thighs (yum ) and uses it for that. )

Wow, that's really freaky. It's alright Malc, you already have my details. I'll deal with it next time I get a phone call from you....

As far as I'm aware I'm not cold called by anyone as a result of Emmas Diary, but I wouldn't waste your time as the packs are pretty crap. Moreover, I always seemed to have a real hassle with Argos accepting the voucher I had printed from the Internet. They made me feel like I was trying to con them, despite being obviously pregnant.

Bounty - the packs are okay. The ones in hospital were the best with some decent bits and pieces. But the amount of spam email I get from them us beyond a joke. I'm putting up with it until I have this baby (dc2) then I will get in contact with them - every day if I have to - until they remove me from their lists as I perceive it will not be straightforward asking to be removed.

as for the bounty lady doing the photos. If shes anything like the one I had when I gave birth to my DD, I'll be shoving her camera where the sun don't shine, and then charge her for it. Much like they do.

I'm planning to print out a detailed letter explaining why I think it's wrong for Bounty to approach women who are tired, vulnerable and often a bit anxious with marketing materials. Will hand it to the rep as she begins her spiel, and then resume whatever I was doing.

Re: Emma's diary: it is genuinely very funny. However, I have made my GP husband promise that if he ever becomes a partner in a practice he will make sure that no more copies of Emma's diary are automatically given to expectant mothers. Since the blasted magazine is advertised all over the British Journal of General Practice, I know that it's not compulsory for a surgery to issue it (albeit pretty ubiquitous).

But I do wonder whether some people actually find Emma's diary useful. Has anyone ever met one of these people? Will have to go to the forums and giggle investigate more.

i didn't read it.
the only bit i read was the bit where she gave birth, and that was after i'd given birth. i laughed hollowly.

i skimmed through it when i was on the toilet the other day and then recycled it.
decided it was bollocks anyway.

ah, i liked the photos she did.
apart from, the one i liked best, she'd put a rabbit next to her- not our rabbit - which ruined it.

I also feel quite strongly about the Bounty lady being allowed to poke her head in when you've just given birth (or in my case just had emergency abdominal surgery).

Nothing I got from signing up to any clubs was worth the hassle, aside from Boots for the changing bag. And that was the only thing, everything else they sell at Boots you can get cheaper elsewhere, even with the vouchers.

Pampers will not stop bloody emailing me, DS is 2.6 now.

I won't be taking any of the Bounty packs this time around, and if that Bounty lady hassles or lies to me, I'll be making an official complaint to anyone who will listen.

I personally cannot WAIT until the bounty woman and her photographing side kick get ME on the maternity ward.
i SHALL get my bag of free crap becasue I LOVE free crap.

I shall then play post birth sport with them inticing them in thinking i will sign all their forms and buy all their photos and give them all my money, only to leave send them on their way with their tails between their legs wondering why I am so mean.

No one is taking a photo of my new baby with or without my permission unless they want a very angry mumma bear chasing them down the corridor.

I was fine about the Emma's Diary thing ,thinking it can't harm.
I had a phone call just now from some random company asking me if i wanted to take up their phone offer.
said they were calling because "you signed up to Emma's Diary"

(on my shop phone too, i might add)

Bloody child refused to cry so I could get rid of him

You don't have to "sign up" to Bounty to get the freebies. I never officially signed up and was still given the packs at antenatal and then accosted on the maternity ward after giving birth. You already have so much to carry out of hospital and are totally spaced out, without being given more crap from Bounty. I don't think they should be allowed on the maternity ward.

As a first time mum thought it was great to get freebies but essentially you just get given half a rainforest of flyers that you have to struggle home with and then bin. Not worth it IMO. Second time round I have binned the entire bounty pack.

Re Emma's Diary, no need to sign up as all online now.

Agree that Boots parenting club is a good one to sign up for as you get money off vouchers every 2-3 months.

Eon are calling me every bloody day after having signed up to Emma's sodding diary. If 'Malc' is still watching, please be aware that it makes you look like a bunch of nobs and I'll avoid your company like the plague. HTH.

Knowing what I know now I wouldnt have signed up I really didn't need appetizer and washing powder so badly I was willing to put up with emails and phone calls constantly. The boors parenting club and tesco r great loads of coupons etc pretty useful but if I receive one more phone call.........

Damn auto correct!!! That should be appletise