Released on: 29 January 2019
In response to a poll for BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and BBC Radio Sheffield which reveals that 50% of women felt like they let their baby down when they struggled to breastfeed, Sarah McMullen, NCT says:
“The first few weeks for new parents can be really challenging and there is still far too little support with feeding their babies. Too many women who want to breastfeed are left struggling with no support and made to feel guilty for using formula. This has to change. We need better postnatal care for women in those early days so that all mums can feed in the way that works best for them and their babies, confidently and without being judged.
“There shouldn’t be pressure on women to breastfeed but practical help for all feeding approaches. NCT is working hard to provide this through our courses, online information, free support line and drop-ins, as well as the one-to-one practical and emotional support provided by our breastfeeding counsellors and peer supporters. Not everyone finds breastfeeding easy and it’s really important that mums can access the support they need, when they need it.”
