Credibility for Sale

ETA: After writing this blog post, I got into a discussion with several people about this. Multiple people mentioned that just because it says "sponsored links" doesn't mean that it is necessarily companies that are sponsoring Mothering Magazine. No one seems sure on if they are companies that sponsor Mothering Magazine OR if they are something like google powered ads. Regardless of what they are, the fact remains that they are THERE. There are three formula ads on the lactation consultant resource page which is a blatant and disgusting attempt at setting moms up to fail. Was this put on directly by Mothering Magazine? Perhaps not. But they do have some say in who advertises on their website, plain and simple. They can say they don't want this advertisement up there. If whoever controls the ads refuses? Well then go with someone else or sell your ad space privately. It is abhorrent that this is allowed on a resource page that is SPECIFICALLY meant for moms who are seeking breastfeeding support and help. Positively nauseating. I did bring this to their attention and I sincerely hope that Mothering Magazine will take action. If they do, I will happily let you all know and support them for taking a stance against unfair formula ads. If they don't, well, Mothering Magazine will lose my respect and business. 

While searching for lactation consultants for a friend who is pregnant, I came across this on Mothering Magazine:

There are THREE advertisements for formula companies on the listings of lactation consultants. THREE. I don't even know if I can fully express my deep disappointment with Mothering Magazine right now. My husband originally said they might be googled powered but on second glance you can see that it is NOT google powered.

These are sponsored links. Which means that Similac and Enfamil are paying to advertise on Mothering.com. And they just so happen to be on the pages for lactation consultants. Do mamas who are having a fabulous time breastfeeding with no issues whatsoever seek our lactation consultants? NO. They do NOT. It is the mamas who need help...who are struggling...who are stressed out that are seeking out lactation consultants. The very mamas who would possibly fall into a booby trap and end up giving their babies formula. The formula companies disgust me. Their sneaky advertisements are just...I honestly just don't have words for what they are. They are horrifying. But this...this is just beyond my comprehension. Mothering Magazine, a well known resource who has over 44,000 "likes" on their facebook page is being PAID by formula companies to advertise on their lactation consultants webpage. This just goes too far...who can we trust? I was as shocked to see this as I would be if Kellymom had Enfamil ads! I fully intend on contacting Mothering Magazine about this. The cigarette companies used to pay doctors to endorse cigarettes...doctors. Aren't we supposed to be able to trust doctors? I'm not saying I"m getting out my tin foil hat and building a bomb shelter but honestly, Mothering Magazine is supposed to be one of the resources we can trust.

I'm so saddened by this and deeply disheartened. And people always wonder why the breastfeeding community gets up in arms about formula companies. They are everywhere.