 Go
on - have a rant!
Isadora Bennett finds the suggestion that we ban all formula milk
advertising hypocritical and patronising in the extreme
"Various nanny-state watchdogs are now on their soapboxes again demanding
a ban on follow-on milk ads"
"Breast is best." How many times have we had that slogan rammed down
our throats, at GP surgeries, in maternity wards, in magazines and in
leaflets? I think most, if not all, mothers have that message firmly lodged
in their brains, regardless of the method in which they choose to feed
their baby. Yet in 1995, just in case our hormone-addled brains, which
supposedly shrink in size when we deliver our babies, couldn't take on
board that concept, the UK banned all advertising for newborn formulas.
Ten years later and various nanny-state watchdogs are now on their soapboxes
again demanding a ban on follow-on milk ads. Apparently, we women cannot
read the packets and tins which state, quite clearly in my opinion, that
the milk is intended for babies aged six months and older "and not intended
to replace breastfeeding". Our vulnerability to advertising is, allegedly,
leading us to fill our babies full of milk that is too high in dangerous
minerals simply because we cannot comprehend the difference between first
milks and follow-on formulas.
Perhaps if ads for first milks were not prohibited mothers wouldn't be making mistakes like this when choosing a formula. Because, like it or not, not all mothers can or want to breastfeed. That, ultimately, is our choice, not the government's, not the various breastfeeding charities, not the formula companies'. And it is better that women are properly educated on the alternatives so they know how they can safely feed their babies in any situation … and avoid giving their newborns jaundice if they are struggling to produce enough breast milk but feel too guilty to give them a formula top-up.
If you're screaming that my argument is ridiculous, just take a look at other forms of child nutrition before denying that this is an unfair witch hunt against bottlefeeding mums. For example, we all know that home-cooked food is far better for weaning babies than the tinned stuff in supermarkets, even if it's organic and cooked lovingly by an earth mother who has spawned 20 prodigies. Yet there is no ban on advertising Yummy Scrummy Mummy lasagne is there? And can you put your hand on your heart and swear that all those kids' snacks, advertised on primetime kids' TV, containing colourings, flavourings and preservatives, are acceptable?
The breast vs bottle debate will continue for as long as women have boobs and
shops sell bottles. But let's stop treating mothers who bottlefeed as
criminals: so afraid of censorship that we have to sneak formula to the
checkout like a dirty old man does with his porn in a mac. Let's do away
with the shame-inducing phrase 'artificial feeding' too. And while we're
at it, formula is not as lethal as nicotine so can we please scrap the
ridiculous health warnings on formula tins that look more suited to a
ciggie packet? Treat all mothers and women with the respect we deserve
so we can make an informed and intelligent choice - one that will be best
for our own families and situations.
Fiona Fanthome says how does making women feel
guilty about not being able to breastfeed and not giving guidance on bottlefeeding
make any sense?
I absolutely agree with this mum, there are women
who can't breastfeed even if they wanted to, either for medical reasons
or nipple issues - some babies don't latch on. I am one of them, and the
amount of guidance given to those mums who decide to bottle feed is appalling.
First of all, we don't automatically know how to bottle feed, correct
positioning, winding etc all holds true with the bottle too, but do health
visitors, midwives etc give any guidance - NO! Everyone just keeps saying-
try to breastfeed, making you feel very guilty that you can't or have
decided not to. And all the breast feeding leaflets imply that if a baby
is not breast fed then the baby would be at such a disadvantage, amking
mums feel awful sometimes.
Secondly which formula to use, there are quite a few on the market and
no health professional will guide or comment on them, leaving mums, especially
first time mums like me confused. This is taking the baby friendly initaitve
a bit too far. Surely the aim of an baby initiative is to have a happy
healthy baby and mum, how does making women feel guilty about not being
able to breastfeed and not giving guidance on bottlefeeding make any sense.
Can I also say, that some breastfeeding mums are a bit too smug about
themselves - the whole "look at me I AM breastfeeding my baby"
holier than thou attitude. If you are then great, no one denies it is
the better option, but if we choose not to or can't breastfeed then we
still deserve to get the same support and guidance as breastfeeding mums.
Have you got strong views? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Email us
on editor@babyworld.co.uk
with your name and tell us all about it!
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