Breastfeeding - current events

Photo courtesy Anton Nossik

Breastfeeding has long been a highly emotional and divisive topic. I would like to be able to say that breastfeeding in public is now commonplace and totally accepted, but unfortunately society has not yet got to that point. However, improvements in education and public perception have been made and these should be celebrated.

Breast vs bottle

The World Health Organisation takes a strong stance on the importance of breast milk for newborn babies and young children and states that, "virtually all mothers can breastfeed". This is of no comfort to those who cannot. Whilst most mothers would like to be able to make the decision to breast or bottle feed without fear of judgement, in reality this just is not the case. Those women who go straight to bottle feeding, or those who try breastfeeding and then switch to bottle, often feel extremely guilty (or are made to feel extremely guilty) for not breastfeeding their child. There are others who persevere with breastfeeding only to find themselves miserable and dreading every feed, which can lead to issues with bonding with their baby.

Returning to work

For those who are lucky enough to find breastfeeding both comfortable and easy, it is the most natural thing in the world. If they are also employed in workplaces that are supportive and flexible in relation to maternity leave, returning to work, and breastfeeding or expressing in the workplace, then they probably don't know what all the fuss is about. But I would suggest that these lucky women are in the minority.

Benefits of breastfeeding

That said, there is strong evidence of the benefits of breast milk for babies - particularly in relation to building immunity, reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes in adulthood, and, as a result of recent research, increases in intelligence. For the mother the benefits include helping to lose weight gained during pregnancy as well as reducing rates of ovarian and breast cancer in later life.

Statistics

A 2012 report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed that 90% of Australian babies are breastfed at birth. This figure drops significantly by the end of the recommended exclusive breastfeeding period of six months and, while statistics vary, it appears that only approximately 10-15% of mothers are still exclusively breastfeeding their babies at six months.

UK trial

In an attempt to overcome low breastfeeding rates in the UK, on November 13 a pilot scheme was announced. The pilot will take place in two low income areas of England and will offer food vouchers (with a value of approximately AU$340) to new mothers who breastfeed their babies for the first six weeks.

The study is aimed at lower income areas where it is feared breastfeeding is no longer a cultural norm, and has in fact been stigmatised by formula advertising. In the areas chosen for the study it is not uncommon for new mothers to never have seen a baby being breastfed. The researchers claim that babies born into affluent families in the UK are four times more likely to be breastfed than those born into deprived areas.

The initiative is clearly controversial with some questioning the use of financial incentives. However, if the trial is successful, it could be rolled out across the UK next year.

Breast milk bank

In Australia, an alternative for mothers who want to breastfeed but are unable to do so is the Mother's Milk Bank. This not-for-profit organisation, staffed by volunteers, collects, screens, pasteurises and distributes donated human milk to mothers who are unable to supply their own milk to their babies, or who develop problems with lactation and require support to continue to breastfeed their babies. 

Currently operating out of Northern NSW, it is the aim of the Mother's Milk Bank to facilitate the introduction of a network of banks around Australia within 10 years. 

We are all for anything that keeps mothers and babies happy and healthy.

The team at nestling.