I just wanted to share a small victory with you all.  In my area there is a
small monthly newspaper put out that lists various parenting information -
summer camps, independent school ratings, things to do/places to go with
the kids, etc.  When I opened up November's issue, there was a full page
advertisement from a major insurance carrier ("regular", HMO and PPO), for
their new option for a 48 hour hospital stay PP.  That was fine.  What was
NOT fine was the picture (a large part of the ad) showing a mother and
father beaming down at their adorable child *being fed a bottle* !!!  I
immediately called the insurance company and complained ("being in the
business of healthcare you surely know the benefits of BF like reduced
allergies/asthma, reduced risk of SIDS, etc., and this was a horrible
oversight, right?").  I was told the gentleman in charge of the ad was not
in today and he'd call me back tomorrow.

I then called the baby/birth section of the carrier and complained to them.
They said they had received many calls and where "shocked" when they saw
the ad - they had not been consulted beforehand.  They said it was being
"investigated."

Later today I received a call that the ad had been pulled!!!  They are
taking out the bottle-feeding picture and using one of a mother just
holding her baby - "to be neutral about it all."  I said, neutral was okay
(although bf would be better!) and thanked her profusely for correcting the
ad.

I must say, I never thought calling could make a difference.  I was so
pleasantly surprised and wanted to share that warm, tingly, victorious
feeling with you.  So, when in doubt, make those calls and write those
letters - they can work!  Hurrraaayyy!

Linda Volkovitsch
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Robert A. Volkovitsch
Linda L. Volkovitsch
Michael T. Volkovitsch
Frisco and Murphy

"Do Not Meddle in the Affairs of Dragons
For You are Crunchy and Good With Ketchup"