Why can't we latch on? 

It's breastfeeding awareness week, and surely everyone knows that breast is
best. So why do so many UK mothers bottle feed their babies? Joanna Moorhead
asked 10 experts what we're doing wrong - and what we should do to improve
thin 

Wednesday May 11, 2005
The Guardian <http://www.guardian.co.uk>  

Sheila Kitzinger Campaigner for intervention-free childbirth and mothers'
and babies' rights 

We need a law, like the one in Scotland, that would make it a criminal
offence to harass or stop any mother from breastfeeding her child in public.
We know many mothers feel embarrassed or self-conscious about breastfeeding
when they're out and about - they think they'll be seen as immodest or
exhibitionist, which is ridiculous as all they want to do is give their
babies the best food possible. 

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A law like this would make it absolutely clear that women do not have to
breastfeed surreptitiously, and that all babies have the right to breast
milk - it removes the need for women to feel anxious about what they're
doing, which is why it's such an important step. The Scottish bill was
passed last November and became law in March, and there's now a campaign to
pass a similar measure for England and Wales, which I'm supporting - the
website is at www.thewaynatureintended.org. 

Miriam Stoppard Author of more than 20 childcare books 

. Dear Heather,

You are to be commended on your contribution to the UK Guardian.  My
question is who in the dickens is Clare Byam Cook.  Note that I copied &
pasted from the Guardian below.  Her comments made absolutely no sense to
me:

Clare Byam-Cook Former midwife, baby-feeding consultant and author.

The simple fact is, most mothers don't understand the practical knack of
getting a baby to fix on to a nipple and feed, and what they need is a
midwife or health visitor who will show them how to do it. It's not rocket
science: what you need to do is shape the breast so it's doughnut-shaped
rather than apple-shaped, and when the baby's mouth opens you shove her on
and she starts feeding happily away. 

What does she mean, "doughnut-shaped breast"?  I can't visualize that at
all!  And I REALLY can't see a baby feeding happily away after she's been
SHOVED ON!  And, there are times when I feel like it is Rocket Science.  You
know, when there are multiples, or neuro problems, cleft lips or palates,
premature babes or babies that have been given bottles because the newborn
nursery nurses wanted the mom to "have a good night's sleep".

Pardon me I just felt the need to grumble; hopefully Ms. Byam-Cook is much
nicer than she came across in the Guardian.

Royce Anderson, RN, IBCLC, CD (DONA)

 

 


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