Comments on: The Research Institute of Mother and Child Care is a SCAM http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/ Thoughts on the Journey Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:52:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Dana http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45232 Dana Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:59:07 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45232 Sorry, the link to MilkShare didn't post. Sorry, the link to MilkShare didn’t post.

]]> By: Dana http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45227 Dana Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:34:09 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45227 Megan - I just wanted to let you know that there IS another option to feeding your baby formula. As a breastfeeding mother that has always had an overabundant supply, I decided to donate our surplus. Initially it was through a milk bank but then I found MilkShare. It is a group where donors can find recipients (either locally or nationally) and arrange to receive donated breastmilk directly from the mother. Many of the families searching for milk can not breastfeed their child for one of many reasons. Sometimes due to medical conditions (either of the mother or the child) or because the child is adopted and the parents want to provide their child with breastmilk. Sometimes, formula is not an option due to severe allergies (even to the "hypoallergenic" formulas). I know some people think that feeding their child donor milk is disgusting but it is actually safer now than wetnursing of previous generations. The donors are screened more rigorously than people donating blood. Donors also take great care to prevent bacterial contamination while collecting the milk. If you would like to find out more information, you can search for MilkShare on the Yahoo! Groups or try the attached link. As far as the comment about babies dying from formula, here is a link to an article relating to the killer formula from China that had melamine in it. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122158011929343485.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Megan - I just wanted to let you know that there IS another option to feeding your baby formula. As a breastfeeding mother that has always had an overabundant supply, I decided to donate our surplus. Initially it was through a milk bank but then I found MilkShare. It is a group where donors can find recipients (either locally or nationally) and arrange to receive donated breastmilk directly from the mother. Many of the families searching for milk can not breastfeed their child for one of many reasons. Sometimes due to medical conditions (either of the mother or the child) or because the child is adopted and the parents want to provide their child with breastmilk. Sometimes, formula is not an option due to severe allergies (even to the “hypoallergenic” formulas).

I know some people think that feeding their child donor milk is disgusting but it is actually safer now than wetnursing of previous generations. The donors are screened more rigorously than people donating blood. Donors also take great care to prevent bacterial contamination while collecting the milk. If you would like to find out more information, you can search for MilkShare on the Yahoo! Groups or try the attached link.

As far as the comment about babies dying from formula, here is a link to an article relating to the killer formula from China that had melamine in it.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122158011929343485.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

]]> By: indie http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45226 indie Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:04:55 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45226 Check out this article: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/articles/312-formula-report-2.htm It analyzes a large number of journal articles about the risks of breastfeeding and even gives an estimate at the end of the number of babies who die in the U.S. because they were formula fed rather than breastfed. The estimate they come up with is 9335 babies per year in the U.S. A baby who is formula fed is twice as likely to die in the U.S. The statistics are much, much worse in countries where reliable supplies of clean water are not readily available (for mixing the formula). UNICEF estimates that a non-breastfed child living in disease-ridden and unhygienic conditions is between six and 25 times more likely to die of diarrhea and four times more likely to die of pneumonia than a breastfed child. That doesn't even take into account all of the deaths in those countries from the other problems that formula can cause (see the article above). Check out this article:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/articles/312-formula-report-2.htm

It analyzes a large number of journal articles about the risks of breastfeeding and even gives an estimate at the end of the number of babies who die in the U.S. because they were formula fed rather than breastfed. The estimate they come up with is 9335 babies per year in the U.S. A baby who is formula fed is twice as likely to die in the U.S.

The statistics are much, much worse in countries where reliable supplies of clean water are not readily available (for mixing the formula). UNICEF estimates that a non-breastfed child living in disease-ridden and unhygienic conditions is between six and 25 times more likely to die of diarrhea and four times more likely to die of pneumonia than a breastfed child. That doesn’t even take into account all of the deaths in those countries from the other problems that formula can cause (see the article above).

]]> By: Mary http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45225 Mary Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:31:13 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45225 Really? Do you have a source for that? I've never heard of formula feeding actually being dangerous or deadly. Really? Do you have a source for that? I’ve never heard of formula feeding actually being dangerous or deadly.

]]> By: indie http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45224 indie Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:22:26 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45224 I think we have to be careful about the language we use. Breastmilk does not have "extra goodies". Formula is deficient of certain things. Fortunately, most babies who are formula fed get by and even thrive but sadly some do not. Obviously there are some cases where a baby cannot be breastfed, but most cases where a mother does not succeed are caused by circumstances that formula companies actively support, for example, unsupportive and ignorant health care providers, employers, spouses; unnecessary separation and trauma during and after the birth process; lack of example in a woman's culture; negative and unsupportive cultural influences...the list could go on and on. The formula industry works very carefully and underhandedly to sabotage women who desire to breastfeed. I do want to make it clear that it does not support to our cause to shame a woman who is already formula feeding, but we do need to make it clear to new and future moms that formula feeding is substandard and sometimes dangerous and even occasionally deadly. I think we have to be careful about the language we use. Breastmilk does not have “extra goodies”. Formula is deficient of certain things. Fortunately, most babies who are formula fed get by and even thrive but sadly some do not. Obviously there are some cases where a baby cannot be breastfed, but most cases where a mother does not succeed are caused by circumstances that formula companies actively support, for example, unsupportive and ignorant health care providers, employers, spouses; unnecessary separation and trauma during and after the birth process; lack of example in a woman’s culture; negative and unsupportive cultural influences…the list could go on and on. The formula industry works very carefully and underhandedly to sabotage women who desire to breastfeed. I do want to make it clear that it does not support to our cause to shame a woman who is already formula feeding, but we do need to make it clear to new and future moms that formula feeding is substandard and sometimes dangerous and even occasionally deadly.

]]> By: Mary http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45223 Mary Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:02:42 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45223 Megan, I'm a breastfeeding mother, and I agree with you - it's terrible how judgmental some people can be. I was in the hospital shortly I after I was born and stayed there for months so my mother couldn't breastfeed, and I turned out just fine! Formula isn't evil - it's necessary and important to many people in different situations. While it may not contain all the extra "goodies" that breastmilk does, it still nourishes babies just fine. I do think that breastfeeding is ideal, though, and I hate the way these companies push their products and discourage women from even TRYING to breastfeed. And deceptive tactics like this just make me angry - I resent that they're trying to conduct marketing research under the guise of medical research. Megan, I’m a breastfeeding mother, and I agree with you - it’s terrible how judgmental some people can be. I was in the hospital shortly I after I was born and stayed there for months so my mother couldn’t breastfeed, and I turned out just fine! Formula isn’t evil - it’s necessary and important to many people in different situations. While it may not contain all the extra “goodies” that breastmilk does, it still nourishes babies just fine.

I do think that breastfeeding is ideal, though, and I hate the way these companies push their products and discourage women from even TRYING to breastfeed. And deceptive tactics like this just make me angry - I resent that they’re trying to conduct marketing research under the guise of medical research.

]]> By: Megan http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45222 Megan Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:43:05 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45222 It's obvious that I got the survey and looked it up to see if it was legitimate and found this site. I'm so glad I did because I was about to send it out and something told me to check it out. Anyway, I agree that the way they are doing this is wrong and should be stopped but I do need to say something about formula feeding. I agree that breastfeeding is best but there are other reasons why mothers formula feed. Yes, there are a lot of mothers that formula feed because it's convenient/easy (and that’s sad) but there are some mothers that HAVE TO formula feed. Some babies just can't feed or mothers can't produce enough milk or can't produce at all. Obviously I am in this category and I HAVE TO formula feed. There have been negative comments about formula feeding on here (and out in public) and that just gets under my skin. I'm NOT a bad mother and I'm tired of the comments (and looks in public) that are directed to make me feel like I’m a bad mother because I formula feed. I don't agree with what the formula companies are doing, it’s just deceptive and wrong. Breastfeeding is wonderful and be proud that you are doing it, I just ask before you open your mouth and make a nasty comment about mothers that formula feed, remember that you don't know their story and this my be the only way they can provide nutrition to their child! It’s obvious that I got the survey and looked it up to see if it was legitimate and found this site. I’m so glad I did because I was about to send it out and something told me to check it out. Anyway, I agree that the way they are doing this is wrong and should be stopped but I do need to say something about formula feeding. I agree that breastfeeding is best but there are other reasons why mothers formula feed. Yes, there are a lot of mothers that formula feed because it’s convenient/easy (and that’s sad) but there are some mothers that HAVE TO formula feed. Some babies just can’t feed or mothers can’t produce enough milk or can’t produce at all. Obviously I am in this category and I HAVE TO formula feed. There have been negative comments about formula feeding on here (and out in public) and that just gets under my skin. I’m NOT a bad mother and I’m tired of the comments (and looks in public) that are directed to make me feel like I’m a bad mother because I formula feed. I don’t agree with what the formula companies are doing, it’s just deceptive and wrong. Breastfeeding is wonderful and be proud that you are doing it, I just ask before you open your mouth and make a nasty comment about mothers that formula feed, remember that you don’t know their story and this my be the only way they can provide nutrition to their child!

]]> By: Cortney http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45131 Cortney Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:24:54 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45131 Send it back blank, or with a note of your own. They'll have to pay the postage! the same with any mailings or packages you get from formula companies. You can write "Unsolicited - Return to Sender" on the packages and they'll have to pay return postage on that, too. It helps with the frustration! Send it back blank, or with a note of your own. They’ll have to pay the postage! the same with any mailings or packages you get from formula companies. You can write “Unsolicited - Return to Sender” on the packages and they’ll have to pay return postage on that, too. It helps with the frustration!

]]> By: Cortney http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45130 Cortney Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:18:39 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45130 I was just about to mail this in, but wanted to see if the "survey" was connected to a formula company. Thank you for this posting. It's going in the shredder! I was just about to mail this in, but wanted to see if the “survey” was connected to a formula company. Thank you for this posting. It’s going in the shredder!

]]> By: Mary http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45037 Mary Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:10:13 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-45037 I'm so glad I found this! I had just filled it out and got a bit suspicious when there were no further questions asked about breastfeeding at all. I googled the name and found your site. This makes me SO angry! I will be sending back my envelope with a letter letting them know exactly what I think about this. I’m so glad I found this! I had just filled it out and got a bit suspicious when there were no further questions asked about breastfeeding at all. I googled the name and found your site. This makes me SO angry! I will be sending back my envelope with a letter letting them know exactly what I think about this.

]]> By: KellyS http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37942 KellyS Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:57:00 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37942 I could copy and paste Anita's message a few up. Exact same story for me. Maybe the OB/Gyns are mad we switched to better care at a midwife (no offense to those who had happier experiences with OB/Gyns then I did). Thanks for this listing! I could copy and paste Anita’s message a few up. Exact same story for me. Maybe the OB/Gyns are mad we switched to better care at a midwife (no offense to those who had happier experiences with OB/Gyns then I did).

Thanks for this listing!

]]> By: former clinical trial manager http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37917 former clinical trial manager Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:48:23 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37917 Indie, I received a letter stating this is an "important survey".. "regarding feeding methods and products"..."you are part of a small group of parents". - ya right! Bogus, they had both of my names misspelled. I used to work in the biopharma industry managing trials, and I recognized this immediately as having only marketing questions. I googled their name and found your website. THANK YOU!!! I'm glad to see that others are being informed of this scam. There is nothing wrong with a company asking you to participate in market research, but this letter is VERY deceptive, no mention of the company ever appears. There is no way to then know that your identity will not be sold or misused since there is no one to contact. Michael Imeokparia, MD does not provide a title, affiliation or contact information. He should be charged with fraudulently misrepresenting himself as a clinical researcher. Maybe this is the same company that sent me unwanted formula. What a waste, they should send this formula to women's shelters and orphages instead of to "potential" middle-upper class paying customers. Can you send this website's responses to an Ombudsman to investigate? Abigail's mom Indie,

I received a letter stating this is an “important survey”.. “regarding feeding methods and products”…”you are part of a small group of parents”. - ya right! Bogus, they had both of my names misspelled.

I used to work in the biopharma industry managing trials, and I recognized this immediately as having only marketing questions. I googled their name and found your website. THANK YOU!!! I’m glad to see that others are being informed of this scam.

There is nothing wrong with a company asking you to participate in market research, but this letter is VERY deceptive, no mention of the company ever appears. There is no way to then know that your identity will not be sold or misused since there is no one to contact. Michael Imeokparia, MD does not provide a title, affiliation or contact information. He should be charged with fraudulently misrepresenting himself as a clinical researcher.
Maybe this is the same company that sent me unwanted formula. What a waste, they should send this formula to women’s shelters and orphages instead of to “potential” middle-upper class paying customers.

Can you send this website’s responses to an Ombudsman to investigate?

Abigail’s mom

]]> By: madeleine http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37766 madeleine Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:51:34 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37766 What I did with their "survey" was to use the pre-paid envelope to send them a letter protesting their deception. What I did with their “survey” was to use the pre-paid envelope to send them a letter protesting their deception.

]]> By: Michele http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37749 Michele Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:49:52 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37749 I am not even pregnant! And I've been recieving samples for months. I just got the letter you talked about and googled it. Is there anything we can do about harassment? Because I keep telling them to stop sending me this stuff. I'm only 18 and it's scaring the heck out of my parents. It's showing up at my parent's home, my new address, everywhere. I am not even pregnant! And I’ve been recieving samples for months. I just got the letter you talked about and googled it. Is there anything we can do about harassment? Because I keep telling them to stop sending me this stuff. I’m only 18 and it’s scaring the heck out of my parents. It’s showing up at my parent’s home, my new address, everywhere.

]]> By: Cal's Mom http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37735 Cal's Mom Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:29:32 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37735 I received the survey today and thank goodness I found this blog! Why doesn't Abbott just disclose that they are behind the survey and why they are conducting it!!???? I received the survey today and thank goodness I found this blog! Why doesn’t Abbott just disclose that they are behind the survey and why they are conducting it!!????

]]> By: Indie http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37734 Indie Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:21:08 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37734 No, you're not paranoid. Hospitals do sell your info. No, you’re not paranoid. Hospitals do sell your info.

]]> By: Marcella Russell http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37732 Marcella Russell Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:02:09 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37732 You are so right. I was totally PEEVED when I got this completely deceptive survey as well. I am STILL trying to figure out how the hell they got my name and address!!! I was so secretive about this pregnancy to avoid all the marketing crap they pin on you. I didn't register with any stores or websites and the only place that had my details was the hospital. I am afraid that the hospital sold my info to these companies. Am I just paranoid? You are so right. I was totally PEEVED when I got this completely deceptive survey as well. I am STILL trying to figure out how the hell they got my name and address!!! I was so secretive about this pregnancy to avoid all the marketing crap they pin on you. I didn’t register with any stores or websites and the only place that had my details was the hospital. I am afraid that the hospital sold my info to these companies. Am I just paranoid?

]]> By: Melissa http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37365 Melissa Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:36:34 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37365 This is the 2nd survey I have received in the past 8 months. I sent the other one back with a note telling them that our daughter was stillborn in Nov. '07. I asked please do not send another one cause it hurts to much. And lord behold they sent another today. I will do the same with this one and tell them .If I receive another one from them I will take legal action. This is the 2nd survey I have received in the past 8 months. I sent the other one back with a note telling them that our daughter was stillborn in Nov. ‘07. I asked please do not send another one cause it hurts to much. And lord behold they sent another today. I will do the same with this one and tell them .If I receive another one from them I will take legal action.

]]> By: Jennifer http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37289 Jennifer Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:53:25 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37289 I just received this survey in the mail a few days ago. I usually wouldn't even bother to fill something like this out, but decided to since i've only ever breastfed my daughter (she's 10 months now) and thought the info would be valuable to the "Institute". Fortunately, I decided to research this before I mailed it in since I couldn't find any contact info & thought that was fishy. This type of scam really pisses me off, therefore, this is what i'm going to do. The envelope included is postage paid by the company so lets see what the company thinks when THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR POSTAGE FOR A BOX WITH A BRICK IN IT. I encourage everyone to send theirs back the same way. See the following webpage- http://officeofstrategicinfluence.com/bulkmailer/ Well i'm off to a blue mail box! I just received this survey in the mail a few days ago. I usually wouldn’t even bother to fill something like this out, but decided to since i’ve only ever breastfed my daughter (she’s 10 months now) and thought the info would be valuable to the “Institute”. Fortunately, I decided to research this before I mailed it in since I couldn’t find any contact info & thought that was fishy. This type of scam really pisses me off, therefore, this is what i’m going to do. The envelope included is postage paid by the company so lets see what the company thinks when THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR POSTAGE FOR A BOX WITH A BRICK IN IT. I encourage everyone to send theirs back the same way. See the following webpage- http://officeofstrategicinfluence.com/bulkmailer/
Well i’m off to a blue mail box!

]]> By: Anita Rayburn http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37153 Anita Rayburn Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:57:23 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/07/05/the-research-institute-of-mother-and-child-care-is-a-scam/#comment-37153 Thank you for this. This is the third survey I've received in my short 5 months of motherhood, the others I didn't hesitate to fill out, but this one struck me as less intelligent and a little fishy with the photos of formula cans. So I looked all the surveys up online and as suspected the others were legit and thanks to your website, this one is hooey. I will send it back postage-free and tell them what I think about infant nutrition and their fake survey. Incidentally, I had exactly one appointment with and OB/GYN and all the rest with a private lay midwife and a homebirth, billed to insurance 4 months post-birth. And yet, I receive every 2 months coupons for infant formula. Thanks doctors for selling my info. Thank you for this. This is the third survey I’ve received in my short 5 months of motherhood, the others I didn’t hesitate to fill out, but this one struck me as less intelligent and a little fishy with the photos of formula cans. So I looked all the surveys up online and as suspected the others were legit and thanks to your website, this one is hooey. I will send it back postage-free and tell them what I think about infant nutrition and their fake survey.

Incidentally, I had exactly one appointment with and OB/GYN and all the rest with a private lay midwife and a homebirth, billed to insurance 4 months post-birth. And yet, I receive every 2 months coupons for infant formula. Thanks doctors for selling my info.

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