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August 2015 Moms
msmolecule
member
W. T. F.
msmolecule
member
I don't know if I can fully explain why this royally pisses me off, but I literally just had some stranger in an unmarked, unidentified SUV park across the highway from my house in a completely rural area and leave a starter kit/sample box of formula on my doorstep. No return address. No information as to who or where it came from.
The only thing I can think of is my information was sold by one of the baby gear sites I have ordered from. Probably from Buy Buy Baby or something. These formula companies really have a lot of nerve. They will obviously go to any lengths to thwart the potential breastfeeding efforts of new moms.
Re: W. T. F.
That is technically how all packages are delivered. Would you feel the same if it was a baby gift someone had sent you? Seems the real reason you are mad is because it was formula. I got my first free sample in the mail yesterday, and despite that I plan to Bf, I was thrilled. You never know if you will have issues BF'ing at any point and formula is expensive! I love knowing I have a free stash just in case!
I mean, is this really that big of a deal? It really does just sound like you're mad at formula companies.
Where did I day you aren't entitled to your feelings? I was simply trying to get you to look at the big picture so maybe it wouldn't cause you so much undue stress. I personally welcome free samples...if I won't use them, I give them to someone who will. Advertising is everywhere and yes, they all want your money. They aren't saying, "Don't BF!!" they are simply allowing you to try their product free of charge to see if you like it should you choose. This is the same thing as the people handing out free samples to taste at a store or a restaurant...doesn't mean you have to try it, but they are confident if you do you will like it and may choose their product over a competitor. Do you get equally as mad when baby stores give you a free bottle to try? Or a free sample of laundry detergent?
LOL..trust me, no sweat off my back if you don't see things the same way as me. I am not the one worked up, again, was just trying to get you to see the big picture to save YOU some stress. There will be plenty of bigger more important things that will cause you stress and anxiety as a parent...I hope for your own sanity you are able to find ways to let the little stuff go.
Like others have said, you never know when an issue with feeding can arise. It's nice to have a backup plan sometimes without having to spend an arm and a leg on something you really won't use on an everyday basis and waste your hard earned money on if your baby doesn't like it or you don't use it before it expires. From a business point of view, sure they want you to buy their product eventually, and how else will you know your baby likes it unless they try it. Try before you buy (with no obligation like a free sample!) is a very effective business strategy (coming from a business student). If you are so offended, call the company and tell them not to send anything further and donate the samples. It's a simple solution, really.
Then I would suggest not venting on a public forum.
True! I am not opposed to multi grain or whole wheat!
I guess that I don't understand the point of your post. You seem mad that basically nobody is picking up their pitchforks to storm the formula companies for daring to leave a sample at your house. I guess nobody else is as irrational?
I'm also kinda rolling my eyes. Even if it wasn't a subbed out mail person. I mean we get people from the local newspaper that come by with a free newspaper every few months with the sole intention of trying to get us to fork over lots of money on a subscription. They actually stand there and ask us to... I can't imagine getting this irate about it. So what? Someone gave you some formula samples. Give them away if you don't want them. I EBF-ed, never supplemented, but was given free samples of formula on more than one occasion. I just gave them away and never felt any pressure/urge to use them even when we were really struggling. It just wasn't what I was going to do, so it didn't bother me that they were sitting there.I agree it sounds like you are more just upset with formula companies and maybe feeling insecure about being able to breastfeed. If that's the case, try and focus on fixing that rather than getting to irate about someone dropping some free samples on your doorstep.
SAMs club gives out the best samples.. Had some the other day! I wish people would give me samples of formula and such.
ETA: op I think your over reacting.
How dare those formula companies, lol.
Then I would suggest not venting on a public forum.
What I find funny about the OP's comment is I've seen her *debating* on plenty other threads on this forum. However, the moment you get pretty much flamed, very tame flaming might I add, you get butthurt?
Interesting.
And I don't think formula companies are "thwarting" your breast feeding efforts. They're a business. Their business is selling formula. IF you have to have formula, then they want you to to use theirs. JFC.
You might get more relief from ringing the company and telling them to remove you immediately from their contact list and telling them you don't appreciate people turning up on your doorstep. Then pocket (or donate) the samples. It is handy to have some formula in your cupboard just in case.