Please Support Our Breasts!!

Written by Annette Brooke MP on Wed 24th Jan 2007

Support for breastfeeding needs to be increased in order to promote its medical benefits for women and children

When I was first elected to Parliament in 2001 I didn't imagine that I would be involved so actively in campaigning for more support for breastfeeding both locally and nationally. After all I had been there and done that well over 30 years ago!

Nationally, I am currently championing the cross-party initiative to support the Breastfeeding Manifesto, produced by a large coalition of organisations including the National Childbirth Trust, UNICEF, Save the Children, the Royal College of Nursing, and the Royal College of Midwives.

It is astonishing that less than 2% of British babies are exclusively breastfeed for six months despite recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the UK Government.

The breadth of support that the Manifesto has received is a clear indication that much more needs to be done to ensure that women feel supported and are able to breastfeed if they wish, and are aware of its benefits to both mother and baby.

Breastfeeding is shown to reduce problems such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and chest infections in children. Premature babies who are not breastfed are up to ten times more likely to suffer from a life-threatening bowel disorder. Children who are breastfed are much less likely to develop childhood obesity and diabetes. Research has also shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater her protection again breast cancer.

The Liberal Democrats support the Manifesto's main principles and are keen to help develop an effective cross-departmental breastfeeding strategy. At present, many women - particularly from lower socio-economic groups - face obstacles which prevent them from choosing to breastfeed. It is important that we recognise and promote the substantial health benefits for both mother and baby.

We need to ensure that women are given adequate levels of postnatal support from appropriately trained healthcare professionals. Much more also needs to be done to create an environment where women can feel free to breastfeed in public and in the workplace. Breastfeeding should be supported - not stigmatised. Mothers should feel that they have a genuine choice as to how they feed their babies.

Perhaps you would like to see if your MP is supporting the manifesto-to see a full list of MPs who have signed up to the Breastfeeding Manifesto, visit:

www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk/parliamentarian_supporters.php

Individuals can also sign up at the following address:

www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk/signup.php

Annette Brooke MP

Mid Dorset & North Poole

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for

Children, Young People and Families