I truly believe that if at all possible, breastfeeding is an experience that all mothers and babies should have. It is what we as mammals have evolved to do, the breastmilk is specifically tailored to meet the needs of our baby, packed full of antibodies, whilst changing to meet the needs as the child grows. I meet so many women who hoped to breastfeed their babies but due to unrealistic expectations (societies expectations of parenthood which is ingrained in us) and lack of support, turn to artificial milks within a couple of weeks. I find this really, really sad. I believe the system has failed these women, and I do sympathise for I could have so easily been one of them. Health professionals in my opinion need to stop pushing the 'Breast is Best' and start stating facts of the realities of breastfeeding, along with the risks of artificial feeding. The support systems for mothers, as regards postnatal breastfeeding support must be improved to increase UK breastfeeding rates.
In reality the percentage of women who physically cannot breastfeed is under 1%. In the studies which have been conducted in this area, many show higher rates of between 2-4%, but in all these studies there have been actions take place which are detrimental to milk supply - for instance sleep training or not feeding on demand. In non Westernised countries where artificial milk is not readily available as an option 'not having enough milk' does not exist. Therefore it is very likely that the combination of having artificial milk readily available every turn and the very popular 'parent-led' routines (in which feeding on demand is not advised) leads a mothers milk supply to diminish.
Following Stanleys birth I realised that breastfeeding is in fact very difficult, and I think most women have some difficulties in the early days. Breastfeeding statistics support this with a huge percentage of women giving up within the first 7 days. Getting Stanley to latch and actually want to feed in the first 48 hours was an issue for me. I found it was at this stage that the hospital midwives started talking about blood sugars and the need to top up with formula. Luckily for me my Mother (who extended breastfed my younger sisters and a fabulous breastfeeding role model) was there, and in my anxious 'shell-shocked' post-natal state put across the points I was struggling with. Eventually I got some help in the form of a midwife assisting me to express colostrum and syringe feed Stanley. The issue I found was that in the hospital the midwives do not have proper breastfeeding training, the breastfeeding counsellors have been removed from many hospitals as they are too expensive and the midwives who are on the wards do not have the time to sit and watch your baby latch. I found the support I needed in the community, but I was just lucky I worked with two breastfeeding counsellors/midwives who were happy to visit daily until we were on our feet. I personally find it quite undermining to breastfeeding that there is a room full of formula milks on the ward, all bottles ready to go with teats attached that you can help yourself to, it would have been very easy to cave in to the midwives pressure to get a bottle. I believe no hospital can profess to be breastfeeding friendly unless they have the staff to adequately support the breastfeeding mothers on the ward.
**At this point I really want to stress that this is not a post about making mothers who have formula fed their children feel guilty. I do not believe any mother should feel guilty about this, I believe the system failed you, feel angry at the poor post-natal care and advice you received and seek out the best breastfeeding support networks if you have another baby, for support really is the key for being able to breastfeed successfully.**
Recently I heard someone say that formula feeding is "as good as breastfeeding", and I must say that I find this is a very misinformed response. The other term I often here as regards formula feeding is "It never did me any harm". To this statement I really want to reply "But did it do you any good?" Statistically the fact that "It never did me any harm" doesn't really float, that statement does not negate the fact that there is increased risks to your baby from artificial feeding. It is also a simple anecdotal statement, which in no way makes facts (such as those mentioned below) less true. A very wise mother who was formula fed, and chose to breastfeed her baby said, "Artificial feeding may have stopped me reaching my full potential, I mean who knows what that full potential was, I never got the opportunity of fulfilling it, but I will not take that right away from my child".
If you research the risks of artificial feeding (which we never hear about - it is always the 'benefits' of breastfeeding, rather than the 'risks' of formula feeding) you would find scientific evidence to show it does raise numerous risks for the baby.
If you research the risks of artificial feeding (which we never hear about - it is always the 'benefits' of breastfeeding, rather than the 'risks' of formula feeding) you would find scientific evidence to show it does raise numerous risks for the baby.
There is scientific evidence which shows that NOT breastfeeding can have the following impact:
- increased rates of childhood Cancers and breast cancer in later life
- increased rates of SIDS
- increased rates of Bacterial Meningitis
- increased diagnoses of Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
- increased diagnoses of Chron's and Ulcerative colitis
- reduced IQ and cognitive development
- increased Allergies - food, skin (eczema) and respiratory
- increased diagnoses of Asthma
- increased liklihood of childhood Otitis Media - increases risk by 3-4 times.
- increased episodes of Pulmonary distress whilst feeding
- increased diagnoses of Reflux
- increased Respiratory and Urinary infection rates
- increased Cholesterol, Athersclerosis and Blood Pressure in later life
- increased Mental health and behavioural issues, in childhood and later life
All these above are outcomes from referenced medical studies, please see the MilkMatters website for more information.
As well as the above list there are numerous benefits for mum including a reduced risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers.
The two maternal hormones Prolactin and Oxytocin play a huge part in the early days when breastfeeding; breastfeeding has been proven in numerous studies to aid the bonding process. Breastfeeding is not just about giving milk to your baby; but it is meeting your babies emotional needs, as well mums emotional needs too, for postnatal depression has been found to be higher in mums who formula feed.
The human body really is a magnificent thing. We can provide something perfect for our little ones to grow if we trust in our bodies ability and arm ourselves with the right information and a support network.
