Underhand tactics - formula companies

[November1984]

Cigarette companies promote anti smoking in the ads but sell addictive products to make you smoke more.
Anyway, I do believe these companies have a right to advert their products -- I am a FF mom but I also think they should be straight forward about it.

I totally agree, but in my personal opinion I don't think formula and cigarette companies can be classified in the same vein.

Only because one is proven time and again that its addictive, WILL kill you at some point and be very unpleasant for you along the way. Formula isn't in that same area.

Oh I am a total FF mommy, I don't even intend to attempt BF my second babe. I am totally okay with formula and I don't think it's the same as poison obviously as I give it to my infants.

I'm just using an example of a company that advertises or promotes something that is the opposite of what they are about. Cig companies do it all the time, just an example (https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/en/...s/Health_Issues/Quitting_Smoking/default.aspx).
Growing up in Las Vegas, NV, USA I would see casinos advert how to quit gambling.
A formula company advertising BF makes me scratch my head too - they aren't selling breast pumps, they are selling formula (https://www.enfamil.ca/en/feeding/breastfeeding/benefits-of-breastfeeding.html).
I hate contradictions -- that's just me.

If all moms breastfed the formula company would be out of commission. For their business it doesn't economically make sense.

Like a credit card company offering advertisements and advice on how to get out of debt. An oil company promoting living green (BP and their 'green' logo).

I know my examples are of more negative companies (IMO) but their advert techniques are the same as the formula companies who advertise BF. Again, not trying to say formula is that negative -- just the advert techniques are similar. It's like if I sell birthday cards on a website and include an advert + info on how people can make their own hand made birthday cards without having to buy them from me.

 

[trumpetbum]

Cigarette companies promote anti smoking in the ads but sell addictive products to make you smoke more.
Anyway, I do believe these companies have a right to advert their products -- I am a FF mom but I also think they should be straight forward about it.

I totally agree, but in my personal opinion I don't think formula and cigarette companies can be classified in the same vein.

Only because one is proven time and again that its addictive, WILL kill you at some point and be very unpleasant for you along the way. Formula isn't in that same area.

But then doesnt that make it worse that they are near enough covered by the same advertising laws?
On both products you are not allowed to advertise on tv, magazines and such and you also can not get any special offers, money off, store reward points.
It somtimes seems as thoughthey are made to be on par with each other and the idea that babies milk is on par with the same advertising laws as cigerettes is discusting, one kills the others can keep you alive, it just seems a bit silly

In terms of the actual advertising I disagree. One IS much, much worse and not on a par with the other, but that doesn't mean that advertising the other should be allowed. If there is a good reason (I know that's debatable ) for one to be banned, then another product being covered by the same law for stronger reasons shouldn't negate that.
Otoh, for all I disagree with advertising and promotion of formula and even store reward points I am on the fence when it comes to special offers, money off, Bogof etc.
I feel that for mums already using formula for whatever reason that this can be punitive and mean vulnerable families pay more than necessary. While in part I blame the formula companies underhand tactics when it comes to advertising in general, for exploiting every loophole and there's no doubt in my mind that they would exploit a relaxation of the law in this area. I would much rather see a tightening of the laws regarding formula advertising, even extending it to include all formula, the parenting 'clubs' etc, all of which has no real negative effect on those who are already ff imo as opposed to the measures in place stopping discreet special offers and bogof promotions which seemingly punish those who are already using formula.
I think the balance has to be right between raising the numbers who breastfeed and avoiding punishing those who are ff, especially those who can least afford it.

 

[November1984]

Cigarette companies promote anti smoking in the ads but sell addictive products to make you smoke more.
Anyway, I do believe these companies have a right to advert their products -- I am a FF mom but I also think they should be straight forward about it.

I totally agree, but in my personal opinion I don't think formula and cigarette companies can be classified in the same vein.

Only because one is proven time and again that its addictive, WILL kill you at some point and be very unpleasant for you along the way. Formula isn't in that same area.

But then doesnt that make it worse that they are near enough covered by the same advertising laws?
On both products you are not allowed to advertise on tv, magazines and such and you also can not get any special offers, money off, store reward points.
It somtimes seems as thoughthey are made to be on par with each other and the idea that babies milk is on par with the same advertising laws as cigerettes is discusting, one kills the others can keep you alive, it just seems a bit silly

In terms of the actual advertising I disagree. One IS much, much worse and not on a par with the other, but that doesn't mean that advertising the other should be allowed. If there is a good reason (I know that's debatable ) for one to be banned, then another product being covered by the same law for stronger reasons shouldn't negate that.
Otoh, for all I disagree with advertising and promotion of formula and even store reward points I am on the fence when it comes to special offers, money off, Bogof etc.
I feel that for mums already using formula for whatever reason that this can be punitive and mean vulnerable families pay more than necessary. While in part I blame the formula companies underhand tactics when it comes to advertising in general, for exploiting every loophole and there's no doubt in my mind that they would exploit a relaxation of the law in this area. I would much rather see a tightening of the laws regarding formula advertising, even extending it to include all formula, the parenting 'clubs' etc, all of which has no real negative effect on those who are already ff imo as opposed to the measures in place stopping discreet special offers and bogof promotions which seemingly punish those who are already using formula.
I think the balance has to be right between raising the numbers who breastfeed and avoiding punishing those who are ff, especially those who can least afford it.

I love formula. It made my boy strong and healthy as he wasn't getting breastmilk and I am thankful for that. I think every company should promote exactly what they sell though too! It's so obvious if a company is so blatantly contradicting themselves. They def are using their loopholes w/the advert laws for sure.

 

[Tiff]

I saw that you were a FF Mom.

Just wanting to point out that it is an incredibly sensitive subject for some people, and I've seen it blow up in the past when people use stuff like alcohol and cigarettes in comparison to formula advertisement. Not that I don't get what you are saying. Personally, I don't care WHAT the subject matter. If it is misleading, I don't like it.

 

[November1984]

I saw that you were a FF Mom.

Just wanting to point out that it is an incredibly sensitive subject for some people, and I've seen it blow up in the past when people use stuff like alcohol and cigarettes in comparison to formula advertisement. Not that I don't get what you are saying. Personally, I don't care WHAT the subject matter. If it is misleading, I don't like it.

Ya, I get that. I was trying to state the advert techniques are similar and not the product.

So everyone in NO WAY do I think cig, oil, casinos, etc are like formula! Formula has def saved a lot of babies and if there was none it would be VERY bad.

I am right there w/you though - no matter what the subject matter I don't like misleading adverts! It can be a more innocent thing like formula (my opinion as a FF feeding mom) or a really horrible thing like cig companies....still bugs me!

PS contradictions remind me of my other half. If I did half the things he did early on in the relationship he would have left me. HAHA
It was okay for him to act up but not me.

 

[Rach27]

....While in part I blame the formula companies underhand tactics when it comes to advertising in general, for exploiting every loophole and there's no doubt in my mind that they would exploit a relaxation of the law in this area. I would much rather see a tightening of the laws regarding formula advertising, even extending it to include all formula, the parenting 'clubs' etc, all of which has no real negative effect on those who are already ff imo as opposed to the measures in place stopping discreet special offers and bogof promotions which seemingly punish those who are already using formula.
I think the balance has to be right between raising the numbers who breastfeed and avoiding punishing those who are ff, especially those who can least afford it.

Absolutely agree with you there

Did you see a Cow & Gate Toddler milk add got banned today by the ASA? Personally I'm really glad as that advert really annoyed me!!!

 

[Dragonfly]

....While in part I blame the formula companies underhand tactics when it comes to advertising in general, for exploiting every loophole and there's no doubt in my mind that they would exploit a relaxation of the law in this area. I would much rather see a tightening of the laws regarding formula advertising, even extending it to include all formula, the parenting 'clubs' etc, all of which has no real negative effect on those who are already ff imo as opposed to the measures in place stopping discreet special offers and bogof promotions which seemingly punish those who are already using formula.
I think the balance has to be right between raising the numbers who breastfeed and avoiding punishing those who are ff, especially those who can least afford it.

Absolutely agree with you there

Did you see a Cow & Gate Toddler milk add got banned today by the ASA? Personally I'm really glad as that advert really annoyed me!!!

I posted that two pages back as I found it revelent to this convo. I am glad to it peed me off! basically every child according to their calculations breastfed or formula was dangerously low! (on their calculator) and made me laugh when it said their milk had all this in it then said on small writing cows milk is not a good source of iron.

 

[Dopeyjopey]

The one that annoys me is the giggling baby one. They basically try and claim all the benefits to breastmilk don't apply once they're over 6 months. E.g. do i look like my tummy's upset? Do i look like i'm not getting what i need? In my.view it is discrediting professional and scientific advice!

 

[Rach27]

I posted this a few pages back as I found it revelent to this convo......

D'oh! Sorry!! Not paying attention!!

You're right DJ, there is an implication in the laughing add that they can't be that happy without formula. But I guess that's advertising for you...

BTW Dragonfly, I'm reading more and more of The Politics of BF - it's a fantastic book!

 

[smokey]

I posted this a few pages back as I found it revelent to this convo......

D'oh! Sorry!! Not paying attention!!

You're right DJ, there is an implication in the laughing add that they can't be that happy without formula. But I guess that's advertising for you...

BTW Dragonfly, I'm reading more and more of The Politics of BF - it's a fantastic book!

I think alot of the times people see different things depending on what they are looking for as I dont see that at all when I see that advert, to me it says they are happy and healthy despit having formula not because of it.
You see what you want to see in life.
(when I say you I mean people in general not as in YOU 0

 

[Rach27]

I think alot of the times people see different things depending on what they are looking for as I dont see that at all when I see that advert, to me it says they are happy and healthy despit having formula not because of it.
You see what you want to see in life.
(when I say you I mean people in general not as in YOU 0

I agree - a lot of advertising is subjective. Just as, referring to the original advertisment in question, some will see it as an underhand way to advertise infant formula to new mums and others will see it as a pregnancy advice service.

 

[trumpetbum]

The one that annoys me is the giggling baby one. They basically try and claim all the benefits to breastmilk don't apply once they're over 6 months. E.g. do i look like my tummy's upset? Do i look like i'm not getting what i need? In my.view it is discrediting professional and scientific advice!

That's pretty much what I said to dh the first time I saw it.

 

[Dragonfly]

The one that annoys me is the giggling baby one. They basically try and claim all the benefits to breastmilk don't apply once they're over 6 months. E.g. do i look like my tummy's upset? Do i look like i'm not getting what i need? In my.view it is discrediting professional and scientific advice!

I hate that advert to


Yeah rach when I read that book felt like I was slapped across the face with it, so much I didnt know!

 

[IvyBaby]

The one that annoys me is the giggling baby one. They basically try and claim all the benefits to breastmilk don't apply once they're over 6 months. E.g. do i look like my tummy's upset? Do i look like i'm not getting what i need? In my.view it is discrediting professional and scientific advice!

Probably that is what they imply, but to me it seemed more like they are comparing their product to other formulas, not necessarily breast milk.

Adverts on TV make me crazy (any kind almost), they are often patronizing and often achieve just the opposite goal of what they are trying to achieve, for example, if somebody tries to push me to buy something (You need this.. you can't live without that.). I get angry about being treated like a sheep, lol, and will never look in that direction again. There have been a few adverts that I liked- generally they had style, good sense of humour and came across as honest- no artificial smiles, prolonged explanations, stupid songs and dances, lol. I think I have gone off the topic here!

 

[Tiff]

Adverts on TV make me crazy (any kind almost), they are often patronizing and often achieve just the opposite goal of what they are trying to achieve, for example, if somebody tries to push me to buy something (You need this.. you can't live without that.). I get angry about being treated like a sheep, lol, and will never look in that direction again. There have been a few adverts that I liked- generally they had style, good sense of humour and came across as honest- no artificial smiles, prolonged explanations, stupid songs and dances, lol. I think I have gone off the topic here!

You sound EXACTLY like my OH!!!

I was almost suspicious that he had joined and finally let his personality slip through!

 

[IvyBaby]

Adverts on TV make me crazy (any kind almost), they are often patronizing and often achieve just the opposite goal of what they are trying to achieve, for example, if somebody tries to push me to buy something (You need this.. you can't live without that.). I get angry about being treated like a sheep, lol, and will never look in that direction again. There have been a few adverts that I liked- generally they had style, good sense of humour and came across as honest- no artificial smiles, prolonged explanations, stupid songs and dances, lol. I think I have gone off the topic here!

You sound EXACTLY like my OH!!!

I was almost suspicious that he had joined and finally let his personality slip through!

Last time I checked I was still myself, lol, definitely not somebody's OH But good to hear that I am not alone!

 

[Dragonfly]

When I post in pregnancy section for November thread I get SMA adverts when I post in here I get sky adverts at the bottom. So if thats not targeting pregnant women I dont know what is. Though I think I seen aptimel advert here.

 

[leelee]

I have to say I don't watch any adverts on TV so have no idea about any of the ads you are all talking about.

However, even if I did watch an advert it wouldn't be enought to sway me into buying a particular formula.

When I was pregnant a close friend of mine (who was exclusively BF'ing at the time) recommended that I buy a tin of formula to have in the cupboard just in case I needed to top up. She had to top once & had to send her OH on a midnight dash to the supermarket and said it was stressful. So I did my own research and bought a tin of Hipp Organic (despite having received 2 teddies from Aptamil and Cow and Gate and various other bumph from them).

However, my LO refused to latch and I had to feed him formula (as well as colostrum) because he was very hoarse and was dehydrated. The hospital had Aptamil so I used that when we came home (with EBM) as this is what we had been given in the hospital.

So I don't think everyone is influenced by the power of advertising.

 

[Rach27]

I have to say I don't watch any adverts on TV so have no idea about any of the ads you are all talking about.

However, even if I did watch an advert it wouldn't be enought to sway me into buying a particular formula.

When I was pregnant a close friend of mine (who was exclusively BF'ing at the time) recommended that I buy a tin of formula to have in the cupboard just in case I needed to top up. She had to top once & had to send her OH on a midnight dash to the supermarket and said it was stressful. So I did my own research and bought a tin of Hipp Organic (despite having received 2 teddies from Aptamil and Cow and Gate and various other bumph from them).

However, my LO refused to latch and I had to feed him formula (as well as colostrum) because he was very hoarse and was dehydrated. The hospital had Aptamil so I used that when we came home (with EBM) as this is what we had been given in the hospital.

So I don't think everyone is influenced by the power of advertising.

Nobody is saying everyone is. It's like those internet bank scams...thousands are emailed out but it only takes a couple of people to fall for it for it to be worthwhile for the scammer.

 

[Dragonfly]

it does play in your head, once you have to think of formula you will think of something you have seen an ad for somewhere and not even realise it. Its flashing there, you may ignore it but you are aware of it, later on you will think of it without even knowing it sometimes. some things that dont interest me I would ignore but later on if someone where to ask I would suddenly say "yeah I seen somewhere an add for that" then go and find out more.