Monday, September 22, 2008

Gosh, that's easy

Currently Craving: Chocolate Dessert

On Friday this box came in the mail:


on the outside it says things like: " Motherhood Rocks. So Do You." and "A Gift of Inspiration for Strong Moms" and "A Gift of Nutrition for Strong Babies" (am i weak and will my baby be weak if i nurse?)

and of course i knew what it was because right on the top it said "planning to formula feed? ask for Similac at the hospital."

inside... Two 12.9 oz canisters of formula AND $20 worth of coupons with my name on them for more baby formula. one of the canisters is even a soy formula. hmmm... then also a booklet on feeding your baby. the booklet is 37 pages long and ends with how you can order home delivery of your formula. it includes 12 pages on breastfeeding at the beginning and then goes long into the benefits of formula. also there is a coupon for a free diaper bag that you ask for at the hospital that will come with more free formula.

i'm just not amused. i'm not asking for anything like this to be sent to my house. i have every intention of nursing Babe and every intention of sticking to it even if it's tough... that includes finding a lactation consultant. if, after all of that the lactation professional tells me i can't do it then FINE give me the formula, but otherwise don't send it to my house. it just makes it that much easier and more tempting to quit trying. maybe not for me personally but for someone who is on the fence about it this might be the deciding factor at 3 am. big business being annoying again. i know i am opinionated about this one. for me, i am hoping it is the right thing and happens naturally. and i know for other women it doesn't happen easily and it isn't the right choice, maybe they welcome formula delivered to the door. but personally i don't like it. i don't like big business knowing a baby is on the way and trying to control what i do with her. arg! oh well. at least i can donate it to a woman's shelter or food pantry and help someone else with Similac's generosity.

1 comment:

Travis, Heather, & Tyler said...

Be prepared for the delivery from Enfamil too. Argh. Because of these companies, I ended up hanging onto one can of formula - just in case. Just in case of what? I don't know. But I finally gave it away to a food drive. Breastfeeding is hard, but is so rewarding. I wish the formula companies wouldn't give up on all moms so quickly. (Sorry, it annoys me too.) Glad to hear that the appt went well though!