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SALT LAKE CITY — A new video from Similac highlights the hilarity of “Mommy Wars” and aims to unite all mothers under one common goal.
But dads around the nation say they’re offended fathers are left out of the video’s final message.
Stay-at-home moms vs. working moms, breastfeeding vs. formula, baby-wearing vs. strollers, disposable vs. cloth diapers — no hot topic is off-limits in Similac’s new video for their Sisterhood of Motherhood campaign.
The video, “The Mother ‘Hood,” shows moms at a park trash-talking each other about their different parenting choices.
“One-hundred percent breastfed, straight from the source,” one mom brags. “Drug-free pool birth. Dolphin assisted,” another mom shoots back.
Even stay-at-home dads get to have their say in the confrontation. “Helicopter moms, 12 o’clock,” one dad quips.
Just before the confrontation turns into a brawl, it’s halted as all the parents notice a stroller start to roll down the hill and they all race to save the baby. They realize despite their differences, they all agree on one thing: “No matter what our beliefs, we are all parents first.”
We believe it's time to embrace mothers who choose to embrace motherhood. Time to put down the fingers and the subtle suggestions. Because no two of us are the same, but we're all in this together.
–Similac Sisterhood of the Motherhood statement
“We believe it’s time to embrace mothers who choose to embrace motherhood,” similac.com states. “Time to put down the fingers and the subtle suggestions. Because no two of us are the same, but we’re all in this together.”
The parody video has resonated with moms everywhere, and has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube since it was released just over a week ago.
Despite widespread praise, some people say the ad perpetuates more judgment. Even more have taken to Similac’s Facebook page to voice their unhappiness that the final message excludes fathers.
"Fantastic video in so many ways, but the choice to bait-and-switch into the 'Sisterhood of Motherhood' theme is so unfortunate. Dads are not moms, nor a part of a 'sisterhood,'" wrote The National At-Home Dad Network on Facebook. "Caregiver dads routinely struggle due to the lack of community and support available to them as parents, and the decision to go ahead with this as a motherhood-specific call for unity and non-judgmental parenting is a real missed opportunity to change some of that."
Similac insists that the sisterhood "includes dads."
"We know dads play a major role in parenting — which is great! While named Sisterhood of Motherhood, the program is meant to uplift and encourage all parents in the decisions they make for their families," Similac wrote on its Facebook page. "We hope dads out there feel like they can be part of the Sisterhood and support moms everywhere as well!"
What do you think of the video? Let us know in the comments.
