 News
5th March 2008
New mums scared
of breastfeeding in publicNew mums across Britain are terrified
at the thought of breastfeeding in public, according to a new survey. In
fact, 38 per cent of doting mothers can be found hiding in public lavatories –
preferring to feed there than face disapproving glares from strangers. A
fifth of mums are so worried about other people’s opinions they have opted to
leave the baby screaming for milk rather than breastfeed. The survey found
that the natural bonding experience is ruined for many by negative reactions,
inappropriate comments and blatant stares. A staggering 54 per cent of
breastfeeding mothers say they have been subjected to unwanted attention. Twelve
per cent have actually been asked to stop feeding their baby in public, and 14
per cent have been reduced to a full scale argument with someone who objected
to them feeding the baby. The poll of 3,500 mums across the nation was
conducted by Kamillosan Chamomile Ointment and reveals that women are most worried
about being discreet in public. Twenty four per cent of mums say they have
a fear of accidentally showing their breasts to all and sundry, whilst 11 per
cent worry they can’t feed the baby properly and might attract attention to themselves.
A third of mums have felt forced to bottle feed – either with expressed
milk or formula – in public simply to avoid any trouble. Lucy Symons, spokeswoman
for Kamillosan said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that in this modern day and age
a mother cannot do one of the most natural acts and feed her child without comments
and stares from strangers. “Breastfeeding is hard enough for new mums without
the added pressure of performing discreetly in front of others. “This survey
shows that mothers primarily choose to breastfeed believing it is the healthiest
option for their child. “Nineteen per cent quite rightly say that breastfeeding
is easier than bottle feeding as it is quicker, cleaner and immediate. It is a
shame the general public don’t seem to agree.” Strangers are considered
the very worst people to breastfeed in front of, but friends and family members
also cause problems for new mums. A third of mums have felt uncomfortable
after a family member has chosen to leave the room whilst they fed, and a fifth
have been asked by a relative to go and feed the baby in private to save embarrassment.
Thirty per cent of those polled feel nervous about feeding in front of
their mum and dad, whilst 32 per cent prefer not to feed in front of friends.
Twenty five per cent also hate feeding in front of work colleagues. Lucy
Symons continued: “Breastfeeding is a complex and sensitive issue – many women
assume they will be able to feed their baby effortlessly and are then so disappointed
when they realise things are harder than they first thought." The
worst places to breastfeed are posh restaurants which don’t cater well for children
(40 per cent), pubs (25 per cent) and on the bus (18 per cent). Thirty
eight per cent of mums feel annoyed that they can’t feed their child without criticism,
33 are just embarrassed, whilst 11 per cent are dismayed. Where
to next? | 
