Only 1% of mothers breastfeed for the recommended 6 months

A recent survey has revealed that only 1 in every 100 mothers breastfeed their babies for at least six months, which is the current minimum length of time recommended by midwives and other healthcare professionals. Data shows that while three quarters of mums start by breastfeeding their newborn, very few maintain it. Older mothers and clerical/professional career women (white collar) are more likely to continue to breastfeed than younger mums and those not working, or in more "blue collar" roles. Studies have shown breastfed children to have greater immunity later in life, and it is generally agreed that breastfeeding is best for baby. Although 6 months is the recommended minimum, continuing to breastfeed for the first year has been shown to provide health benefits to both mother and child.

Child Charities Campaign to Ban Formula Milk Advertising

"A coalition of charities is demanding baby milk be treated like tobacco and subjected to a total advertising ban. The National Childbirth Trust, Save The Children and Unicef blame adverts for many mothers abandoning breast feeding before the recommended six months. They want the government to extend a ban on infant milk adverts to include "follow-on" milks for older babies. England's policy on the promotion of formula milk is currently being reviewed by the Food Standards Agency. At present, companies are not allowed to advertise formula milk for babies under six months. But they are allowed to promote so-called follow-on milks, a range for children aged between six months and two years. " Much research has shown that breastfeeding is beneficial to both mother and child. Not only does breastfeeding increase the emotional bond between mother and child, and help to strengthen he baby's immune system, breastfeeding also helps to reduce the chance of breast cancer or ovarian cancer developing. Breastfeeding should be encouraged more, and more help should be provided to new mothers. Many mothers try to breastfeed but then give up after a few weeks as they struggle to cope with the stress of having a new born baby. If parents are debating whether or not to stop breastfeeding, then promotions and advertising of formula milk may help them to decide to stop. However this decision is not the best one for the long term health of either the mother of the child. Source: BBC Health News