>My dad just sent me a note that says London's in a tizzy about a woman who
wants to breastfeed in the House of Commons, but isn't allowed to because
there is a "no refreshments" rule.  Would any of our UK-based Lactnetters
care to comment?<

Here is the text of the letter I wrote on behalf of the Breastfeeding
Network, which was published in yesterday's Independent newspaper:

‘My baby gets the best.  She’s breastfed.’  This is the slogan for four
posters the Department of Health has commissioned for use during this year’s
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (14 – 20 May).  This message alludes
to the fact that babies who are breastfed have better health outcomes than
babies who receive replacements for their mothers’ milk, and may have
improved cognitive functions as well.

However, it seems that for the women MPs who serve their country the choice
of conferring these benefits on their children is unavailable (Mother of
Parliaments outlaws breastfeeding in the House).

Last year the government proudly announced an extra £1 million to promote
the desirability of breastfeeding to British women.   Why are MPs’ babies
excluded from breastfeeding due to the long, unpredictable hours their
mothers work and the inflexibility of their rules of employment?  Is this a
case of ‘do as we say, not as we do’?

(signed by all trustees)

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

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