[lettie]

We have loads of these initiatives going on throughout Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley and have done for years. Some are run by midwives, some are surestart and some are voluntary agencies and parent groups such as the NCT. It is aimed at encouraging breastfeeding as there isn't a valid piece of research ever written that says breastfeeding is bad. There are only about 2% of women worldwide who cannot physically breastfeed, either due to physical illnesses and medications or hormonal problems. Our breastfeeding rates in this area are well below the national average but are improving due to these initiatives. People perceive bottlefeeding as easier (which it can be in the first few days of a baby's life). In the long run breastfeeding is easier because there are no bottles to wash and sterilise, no formula to mix up and no heating of the milk, and it's free......

Bottlefed babies are more likely to become obese, develop diabetes, ear infections, asthma, eczema and dental problems. One of our major formula milk companies was slammed by the midwives and medical press a few years ago for including GM ingredients in their formula. Recent studies have shown that breastfed children learn quicker, speak clearer from an earlier age, require less medical treatment for infections and less dental treatment. Studies have also shown that mother's are less likely to develop breast and ovarian cancers if they have breastfed and that they are also less likely to develop osteoporosis in later life.

Sounds like a good idea to me...