New Five-Year Campaign To Encourage Breastfeeding
Posted by Babble Editors at 3:30 PM on November 13, 2009
The latest in a series of government-backed inititiatives to promote breastfeeding is being rolled out today by state and federal ministers.
The new federal strategy will include increasing community acceptance of breastfeeding as a cultural and social norm, establishing breastfeeding support networks for pregnant women and improved breastfeeding training for health professionals.
Earlier this year, in June, to be exact, a $100,000-a-year Queensland Health breastfeeding campaign was attacked for using “guilt-inducing” language. The campaign was called “12+months on the breast: Normal, natural, healthy”.
And now, there’s talk of a milk bank in Queensland opening up so that mothers with a surplus of breast milk (or just because they want to) can donate some of their own supply for preemies and sick babies whose mums are unable to feed them.
Which is all well and good, we suppose – but we just can’t help thinking here we go again. More pressure to breast feed, more guilt for those who can’t. And from the government, of all people.
But we want to know what you think. Do you think it’s a great idea, the more women can learn and be taught about the benefits of the breast the better? Or do you think it’s time women were left alone to make their own choices about what’s best for them and their little ones? Or, indeed, maybe you think a combination of the two viewpoints is the wisest way to go. Whatever you think, let us know in the comments boxes below!
Yes, yes ,yes. What a fantastic idea! Expecting my third and I’m a BF pro but I def needed all the help I could get with BF my first as I was only 20 at the time. I never gave up though.
How bloody stupid way to make parents especially mums feel bad. I have 5 bottle fed kids and not 1 have an allergy, asthma or any sickness. But I shock horror let my kids play in the dirt so they have an immune system. I’m not a helicopter mum. Let woman decided what suits them and support them stop being so judgemental. Breatfeeding Nazi’s.
Anne I don’t think they purposefully set out to make bottle feeding mother’s feel bad at all. It’s just a known FACT that breastfeeding is BEST for a baby. And of course there’s nothing wrong with bottle feeding either. Some women really do try and it just doesn’t work out. No one said ‘oh look at those bad bottle feeders’
Will they support a woman have feeding problem for free. I am trying my baby for a month to have my breast milk. She has got a nipple confusion.
breastfeed is the best for ur baby,
What a joke. We have 2 kids (perfectly normal and healthy), both were bottle fed because my wife couldn’t produce enough milk. There was enough pressure from the midwives for her to breast feed, this is the last thing mothers need, get a grip rudd. I agree that breast is best which is easy for someone that can produce milk to say but at the end of the day leave it to the mother and mind your won business
Why are breastfeeding campaign seen as making mums feel bad? What about get fit programs, alcohol awareness, rape, abuse, smoking campaigns? Why don’t people jump up and down and claim they are making overweight, alcoholics, rapists, wife beaters and smokers ‘feel bad’ and guilty? What about speeding motorist? Don’t make them feel bad by targetting them in campaigns the poor dears! And oh no what about the lastest get fit campaign “Draw a line” (or something like that) everytime I see it I feel so bad and guilty for taking the lift and eating those chips. Come on people… No one can make you feel anything! There is a lot of mis-information and myths out there about breastfeeding, and a lot comes from health professionals. A campaign like this can only be a good thing.
Well said Vanessa. This is such a POSITIVE thing. Just because we condone something that is completely NATURAL and healthy all of a sudden we’re BF Nazi’s?? That’s very immature.
Vanessa makes a great point. Breastfeeding has health benefits for mother and baby and should therefore be a government health priority.
Many women do want to breastfeed but give up due to lack of support and advice at crucial times.
If you feel bad that you didn’t breastfeed, that is not Kevin Rudd’s fault.
I’m expecting my second child and welcome this with open arms! I think it’s a great idea. I had problems with my first with attachment and low milk supply but I persisted and won!
Fourth child coming in Jan..Cannot wait to breastfeed again. I miss the closeness that you have with your child knowing that breast milk is so very good for them. No smelly poops, and vomit with breast milk!!
I see where your coming from Vanessa but the difference between alcoholics, speeding drivers etc all have a choice where as most mothers that can’t breastfeed don’t. I think it’s great that support is there as long as it is ’support’ and not pressure. I just think the government could have spent money on things like autism research etc.
It is a womans choice BUT Breastfeeding mums need support and encouragement.it is not easy in the beginning. It can feel very lonely if you are BF as It is difficult to see another BF mum out there. Think of the last time you saw someone BF. Not so often i am sure.