Underhand tactics - formula companies

[Dragonfly]

Has anyone in here read "the politics of breastfeeding"?

 

[Rach27]

Has anyone in here read "the politics of breastfeeding"?

Yes - well most of it!

Karen Gregory writes about it in review:

One of the strengths of Palmer’s argument lies not in a discussion of what women ought to do or which feeding method is ‘best’, but in illuminating the way in which women’s confidence in their bodies and ability to breastfeed has been eroded. This can be attributed in no small part to the marketing tactics used by infant food manufacturers. These can be subtle and therefore more insidious. For example, advertisements for formulas to use “when breastfeeding fails” help to put the idea in women’s mind that failure is a possibility in the first place. One of the many examples in the books is a Cow and Gate leaflet from 2006 showing a half-laughing, half-grimacing woman holding a baby exclaiming “I’m thinking of getting a t-shirt made - Danger! Sore boobs!” Messages like this help to subtly undercut women’s confidence by portraying breastfeeding as something that is difficult or painful. For too many women in the West this is indeed the case, but not because this is an experience intrinsic to breastfeeding.

Needlesstosay, I totally agree!

 

[Rach27]

She concludes....

But I do believe that it’s time for feminists to start demanding some changes for women and their babies: firstly, that the marketing activities of the milk manufacturers, in all parts of the world, are reigned in; secondly, that all women are able to access unbiased information about infant feeding, free from pressure to choose one method or the other; and that those who wish to breastfeed are properly supported not only by the relevant health professionals but by society at large. It would be nice to think that eventually this level of support will no longer be needed in the future.

Sadly this was written over 20 years ago...

 

[Dragonfly]

though the book is on its third edition not so long released again updated. That book would support this thread a lot as even I didnt know what formula companies where capable of and have done over the years to breatsfeeding. A good book and an eye opener!

 

[emmi26]

out of interest i just checked to see what the longest forum thread on the internet is recorded as its 196,672 posts long!!!!! his ones doing well though !!!

 

[NIfirsttimer]

ugh its like anything tho!
i think formula companies are just being totally singled out here, ALL companies use advertisiing, and the vast majority of those do so in what could be considering an 'underhand' way! i could find you a book that was pro organic food, and completly dissed any other non organic food choices. I could find you a book that advocated vegetarianism, and completly trashed meat eating. i could find you a book that was full of praise for vaginal births and was totally anti elective sections. JUST because a book says it, doesnt mean that we should all go and live our lives accordingly!

out of curiousity dragonfly, do you use any nestle group products at all?

 

[leelee]

To be honest I never thought about the possibility of BF failing until my friends started to have babies and I saw the problems they encountered with BF. I would say that 99% of my friends that BF have had problems such as mastitis, painful latch, not producing enough milk etc.

One of my friends had no issues whatsoever and it was great to see, but it was defo the experience of friends rather than adverts that put that thought in my mind.

 

[Rach27]

ugh its like anything tho!
i think formula companies are just being totally singled out here, ALL companies use advertisiing, and the vast majority of those do so in what could be considering an 'underhand' way! i could find you a book that was pro organic food, and completly dissed any other non organic food choices. I could find you a book that advocated vegetarianism, and completly trashed meat eating. i could find you a book that was full of praise for vaginal births and was totally anti elective sections. JUST because a book says it, doesnt mean that we should all go and live our lives accordingly!...

Granted but this is a forum related to babies and in particular, feeding babies. Moreover, the thread was intended to highlight 'the system' and how it fails us through allowing underhand advertising tactics and denials support where it's needed. Plus the book was quoted in support of the thread, not the other way around.

 

[Wobbles]

If people put as much time and passion into articles, websites and blogs about breastfeeding as they do about this discussion the world would be a better place, in effect I actually think the discussions targeting the so called tactic of only one product is actually advertising the brand drawing attraction/curiosity more than any advert does also giving them more free references on the likes of google (basically your advertising them).

 

[Dopeyjopey]

ugh its like anything tho!
i think formula companies are just being totally singled out here, ALL companies use advertisiing, and the vast majority of those do so in what could be considering an 'underhand' way! i could find you a book that was pro organic food, and completly dissed any other non organic food choices. I could find you a book that advocated vegetarianism, and completly trashed meat eating. i could find you a book that was full of praise for vaginal births and was totally anti elective sections. JUST because a book says it, doesnt mean that we should all go and live our lives accordingly!

out of curiousity dragonfly, do you use any nestle group products at all?

I know that your question wasn't posed in my direction, but i boycott all nestle products (including rowntrees, buxton etc) because of their actions with formula. And them giving money to the Mugabe family, but that's another story!

The book sounds really interesting, i've been meaning to get my hands on a copy for ages.

 

[Rach27]

If people put as much time and passion into articles, websites and blogs about breastfeeding as they do about this discussion the world would be a better place, in effect I actually think the discussions targeting the so called tactic of only one product is actually advertising the brand drawing attraction/curiosity more than any advert does also giving them more free references on the likes of google (basically your advertising them).

Okay so how many of you rang the helpline as a result of reading the thread?

While I agree we have given the ad (and SMA by extension) some exposure, I feel the discussion has been a valid one - by default of its length if anything!!!

 

[Dragonfly]

ugh its like anything tho!
i think formula companies are just being totally singled out here, ALL companies use advertisiing, and the vast majority of those do so in what could be considering an 'underhand' way! i could find you a book that was pro organic food, and completly dissed any other non organic food choices. I could find you a book that advocated vegetarianism, and completly trashed meat eating. i could find you a book that was full of praise for vaginal births and was totally anti elective sections. JUST because a book says it, doesnt mean that we should all go and live our lives accordingly!

out of curiousity dragonfly, do you use any nestle group products at all?

Well I dont formula feed so I dont buy any nestle baby milk. I actually dont know, I do buy nestle choc, youghters,water (they have a handy 10 pack bottles for £2 in sainsburys) . Do they do baby food? I only ever got hipp and heinze and he gets fresh stuff now whatever we eat.

And its not trashing formula its just showing what they have done, like a history into them and breastfeeding. Very interesting stuff.

 

[RainbowDrop_x]

I've just looked at that advert again..It doesn't say anything about BF or FF ..It just looks like an advice line for pregnancy problems. I can actually see the words

HOW DO I
Travel abroad
Cope with morning sickness
Understand changes to my body
Work out my due date
Prepare for hospital
Eat well for both

And if you go on to the section of the website they are "advertising" (SMA KNOW HOW) You will see there are offering advice on

BF
FF
Feeding Problems
Baby Nutrition
Weaning
Toddler Development
Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself
Baby care
And Baby development

I fail to see how that is underhand. If they were only offering advice on BF & FF I could maybe see a point to what you're saying but their offering advice from all angles of the spectrum. Aptamil, C&G,Heinz all offer advice for the EXACT same thing..As do Hipp..Pampers..Huggies etc. So it really boils down to every company is underhand if that's the way you have viewed this ad.

 

[Wobbles]

If people put as much time and passion into articles, websites and blogs about breastfeeding as they do about this discussion the world would be a better place, in effect I actually think the discussions targeting the so called tactic of only one product is actually advertising the brand drawing attraction/curiosity more than any advert does also giving them more free references on the likes of google (basically your advertising them).

Okay so how many of you rang the helpline as a result of reading the thread?

While I agree we have given the ad (and SMA by extension) some exposure, I feel the discussion has been a valid one - by default of its length if anything!!!

Why would I ring the helpline? I formula feed and I've never rang the helpline I mostly look things up online and talk to friends.

Your a bit on the defensive side, I didn't mean THIS thread I meant general all over the internet, I've come across many blogs over time and even with my choice now yesterday I found myself on youtube looking at these adverts that I've never batted an eyelid to on TV.

I don't think anything has come out on top of this topic although definitely interesting.

 

[smokey]

I've just looked at that advert again..It doesn't say anything about BF or FF ..It just looks like an advice line for pregnancy problems. I can actually see the words

HOW DO I
Travel abroad
Cope with morning sickness
Understand changes to my body
Work out my due date
Prepare for hospital
Eat well for both

And if you go on to the section of the website they are "advertising" (SMA KNOW HOW) You will see there are offering advice on

BF
FF
Feeding Problems
Baby Nutrition
Weaning
Toddler Development
Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself
Baby care
And Baby development

I fail to see how that is underhand. If they were only offering advice on BF & FF I could maybe see a point to what you're saying but their offering advice from all angles of the spectrum. Aptamil, C&G,Heinz all offer advice for the EXACT same thing..As do Hipp..Pampers..Huggies etc. So it really boils down to every company is underhand if that's the way you have viewed this ad.

That has been mentioned time and time again but it seems the rest of the advice and point to the advert keeps being ignored.
I think everyone is a bit too hung up and focused on the whole bf, ff side of it to realise there is other things out there that people need advice or info on.
Pregnancy and having a baby doesnt start and stop with only "how to feed" if it did id have a very tidy house with no clutter of toys or clothes or baby bits and bobs but id also be bored to tears

 

[MissBroody]

I've just looked at that advert again..It doesn't say anything about BF or FF ..It just looks like an advice line for pregnancy problems. I can actually see the words

HOW DO I
Travel abroad
Cope with morning sickness
Understand changes to my body
Work out my due date
Prepare for hospital
Eat well for both

And if you go on to the section of the website they are "advertising" (SMA KNOW HOW) You will see there are offering advice on

BF
FF
Feeding Problems
Baby Nutrition
Weaning
Toddler Development
Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself
Baby care
And Baby development

I fail to see how that is underhand. If they were only offering advice on BF & FF I could maybe see a point to what you're saying but their offering advice from all angles of the spectrum. Aptamil, C&G,Heinz all offer advice for the EXACT same thing..As do Hipp..Pampers..Huggies etc. So it really boils down to every company is underhand if that's the way you have viewed this ad.

OT - but you've changed your name! Good job I'd recognise Olivia's cute face in your avatar anywhere lol
xx

 

[RainbowDrop_x]

I've just looked at that advert again..It doesn't say anything about BF or FF ..It just looks like an advice line for pregnancy problems. I can actually see the words

HOW DO I
Travel abroad
Cope with morning sickness
Understand changes to my body
Work out my due date
Prepare for hospital
Eat well for both

And if you go on to the section of the website they are "advertising" (SMA KNOW HOW) You will see there are offering advice on

BF
FF
Feeding Problems
Baby Nutrition
Weaning
Toddler Development
Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself
Baby care
And Baby development

I fail to see how that is underhand. If they were only offering advice on BF & FF I could maybe see a point to what you're saying but their offering advice from all angles of the spectrum. Aptamil, C&G,Heinz all offer advice for the EXACT same thing..As do Hipp..Pampers..Huggies etc. So it really boils down to every company is underhand if that's the way you have viewed this ad.

That has been mentioned time and time again but it seems the rest of the advice and point to the advert keeps being ignored.
I think everyone is a bit too hung up and focused on the whole bf, ff side of it to realise there is other things out there that people need advice or info on.
Pregnancy and having a baby doesnt start and stop with only "how to feed" if it did id have a very tidy house with no clutter of toys or clothes or baby bits and bobs but id also be bored to tears

Then I have just pointed that fact out again then I haven't read this thread since about page 50 so anything after that is unbeknown to me . I was just looking at the advert and thought "hand on a minute" lol.

I completely agree with what you've said. (The text in bold)

 

[Rach27]

Why would I ring the helpline? I formula feed and I've never rang the helpline I mostly look things up online and talk to friends.

Your a bit on the defensive side, I didn't mean THIS thread I meant general all over the internet, I've come across many blogs over time and even with my choice now yesterday I found myself on youtube looking at these adverts that I've never batted an eyelid to on TV.

I don't think anything has come out on top of this topic although definitely interesting.

Right, so SMA probably haven't benefited from this discussion (now that definitely would be underhand of them!)

I've also found this thread interesting - though, as you say, it hasn't revealed anything I didn't already know.

 

[Rach27]

I've just looked at that advert again..It doesn't say anything about BF or FF ..It just looks like an advice line for pregnancy problems. I can actually see the words

HOW DO I
Travel abroad
Cope with morning sickness
Understand changes to my body
Work out my due date
Prepare for hospital
Eat well for both

And if you go on to the section of the website they are "advertising" (SMA KNOW HOW) You will see there are offering advice on

BF
FF
Feeding Problems
Baby Nutrition
Weaning
Toddler Development
Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself
Baby care
And Baby development

I fail to see how that is underhand. If they were only offering advice on BF & FF I could maybe see a point to what you're saying but their offering advice from all angles of the spectrum. Aptamil, C&G,Heinz all offer advice for the EXACT same thing..As do Hipp..Pampers..Huggies etc. So it really boils down to every company is underhand if that's the way you have viewed this ad.

You are absolutely right. But it is BECAUSE they are seemingly offering 'general' advice - covering all aspects of pregnancy - that their 'advertisment' is, in my view, underhand. They are a company which profits from the sale of their formula milk so that is at the centre of everything they do. If it doesn't feel like a marketing campaign, it's probably a bloomin' good one!!!!

Yes, Pampers and Huggies and Hipp do these as well but, for the last time, it is not illegal to market these products to this demographic.

 

[Wobbles]

Why would I ring the helpline? I formula feed and I've never rang the helpline I mostly look things up online and talk to friends.

Your a bit on the defensive side, I didn't mean THIS thread I meant general all over the internet, I've come across many blogs over time and even with my choice now yesterday I found myself on youtube looking at these adverts that I've never batted an eyelid to on TV.

I don't think anything has come out on top of this topic although definitely interesting.

Right, so SMA probably haven't benefited from this discussion (now that definitely would be underhand of them!)

I've also found this thread interesting - though, as you say, it hasn't revealed anything I didn't already know.

Why, because someone didn't pick up the phone? I thought we were talking about the advert and the product shown on that advert happens to have both a telephone line and a website? Both have been referenced to in this thread. Most people reading the internet would refer to the website before making a telephone call, but I wasn't pin pointing either support option or this discussion as I confirmed in my previous reply.

Personally I don't think it's about what you know, most of the thread is an opinion not factual. I think my observation was just as valid.