Midwives must support both breast and bottle feeding

Published on: 21/06/2018

The Royal College of Midwives’ has issued a new statement advising that women should be supported in whichever method of feeding they choose, if after receiving support, advice and information they choose to formula feed.  Midwives had previously advised that “breast is best” but the RCM argue that some women struggle to start or sustain breastfeeding and an informed choice must be promoted.

The National Childbirth Trust has found that lots of mother’s feel pressure from family, friends or people they don’t know whichever method of feeding they choose.  Breastfeeding mothers can feel pressured about the frequency, where, how and how long they feed for. Mothers who use formula can feel judged or guilty too, especially if they had planned to breastfeed.

A 2016 study at Liverpool University showed that 67% of the new mum’s questioned felt guilty for formula feeding, 68% felt stigmatised and 76% felt they had to defend their feeding choice. Interestingly some of the breastfeeding mums felt similar emotions, particularly those supplementing their own milk with formula.

The UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe. Although most new mothers try to breastfeed initially, less than half are exclusively breastfeeding by 6 weeks, this drops to around 1% by the time the baby has reached 6 months.  Experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively up to at least 6 months, then continuing alongside solid foods for around two years or beyond. The RCM now advises that this is a woman’s personal choice and women need to be supported in their decision.

Chief Executive Gill Walton said: “The RCM believes that women should be at the centre of their own care and as with other areas of maternity care, midwives and maternity support workers should promote informed choice…We recognise that some women cannot or do not wish to breastfeed and rely on formula milk. They must be given all the advice and support they need on safe preparation of bottles and responsive feeding to develop a close and loving bond with their baby.”

 

For more information on this story, see this BBC article 

Click here for more information on breastfeeding and formula feeding.