When published
research is on an emotive topic, such as breastfeeding, there is often a
backlash. The backlash against breastfeeding information delivered in a neutral
tone is often strident and couched in terms of blame.
Blame is
directed towards those who support and help breastfeeding mothers. They may
even be labelled as ‘Breastapo’ or ‘Lactivists’ and blamed for making mothers
feel guilty. The writers of such criticism frequently state that they
themselves are pro-breastfeeding, and pro-choice, only trying to be realistic
in the face of very real difficulties experienced by themselves or mothers they
know. They seem oblivious to their hidden message – appropriate help and
support was missing when sorely needed. Defending the use of formula and bottle
feeding as a solution to breastfeeding problems compounds the very real sense
of loss many women feel when breastfeeding goes wrong.
The tone and
content of articles and reports that defend a woman’s right to choose her
baby’s feeding method, is often patronising to women and assumes an inherent
conflict and tension. There is a feeling that a baby’s right to be breastfed is
in conflict with a mother’s right to choose otherwise. They forget that mothers
are also exposed to health risks when they do not breastfeed. Mothers and
babies are on the same side: Mothers too have a right to breastfeed! All
mothers want the best for their babies and deserve acceptance and support
alongside unbiased, good quality information to enable them to make an informed
feeding choice. Those who later discover that basic, factual information was
withheld, on the grounds that they may feel guilty, actually feel patronised
and are angry.
Each mother
is unique, as are the circumstances in which she makes her choice about feeding
her baby; and yet the vast majority of mothers choose to breastfeed. The
preliminary results from the 2010 infant feeding survey ² show that in England
the breastfeeding initiation rates have increased from 78% in 2005 to 83% in
2010.
Breastmilk
provides so much more than nutrition. It provides inbuilt control mechanisms
that develop babies’ immune systems and appetite control. Hormones in the
mother help her to cope with the day to day activity of caring for her baby. Breastfeeding
is an experience that many mothers treasure long after their child has moved on
from that stage. Knowing that breastfeeding should be a comfortable and
pleasant experience and that there is specialist help available can help more
mothers achieve a satisfying and rewarding breastfeeding relationship.
Optimal
health is only possible with optimal care and nutrition, so it is not really
that surprising that health costs arise when babies are not breastfed. Modified
cows milk formula, whatever the claims of the manufacturer, is by no means
optimal nutrition, even when fed with love and care. The recent report has
shown that the cost of specialist help for breastfeeding could easily be met by the saving
in health care costs achieved.Anne
