You know how we are always bemoaning the fact that there is such a lack of proper support for women who want to breastfeed? Well,it looks as if we can finally do something about it.....

[moondog]

There now exists a Breastfeeding Coalition, an unprecedented alliance of not-for-profit organisations committed to the health of the nation who want Government to take action over this critical issue.

Read the breastfeeding manifesto here

One of the tragic facts to come out of this is that of the women who have given up breastfeeding by 6 weeks,9 out of 10 wished they had breastfed for longer.

I know it was a long post
It just still upsets me sometimes.
I am so glad that I did better with dd but feel guilty about not doing so with ds.

Its great there are people like you trying to help mummies. thanks

what a great idea!

I've been 1 of the 9 out of 10 - first time round gave up after traumatic birth, depression, v difficult baby,no proper help from NCT/mw , only to finally tell all about this on MN and be hounded by a couple of MNers (who I'm sure were NCT members as ironically I was) for daring to criticise the NCT b/fing counsellors! Very And tbh, put me off bfing again. I am NOT going to name names as I really don't want to go there again, it still upsets me yrs on.

However, 2ndtime round, no problem. Other than my fantastic mw at the birth, I sought and needed no help from anyone. I had sworn I wouldn't ask this time but would work it out for myself, not ideal but I truly felt I had been failed when I most needed help as a 1st time mum. I had no faith in the system to do anymore than read out info over the phone (that same info I had to hand at home anyway).

Oh Ran!
How lovely that it all worked out for you!

thanks! It still upsets me to hear others' stories though and to think back on my 1st time experience, there's so much more that needs to be done. A change in attitude on the part of many professionals/bfing counsellors too.

Thanks for this moondog - what an excellent document. I've just emailed my MP about it.

Just e-mailed my MP.

How do I email it to my MP? Please.

I've started an email but don't know how to attach it.

What a fantastic initiative. I've emailed my MP.

Princessmel - if you go to the main site at www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk and click on 'How you can help', there is a pre-written email and a list of MPs - you just pick yours and put your details in.

And further to Mrs Flowerpot's post:

I just had a call from Alison, the co-founder of the manifesto. She tried to post a message herself but it didn?t work, so I said I was happy to give the following message from her:

She is thrilled to see this thread and would like to encourage everyone to go to www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk (here ).

She asks everyone to add their support: email your MP and encourage friends to do the same. Click on ?Parliamentary supporters? to see which MPs have already signed up. There are also postcards you can send ? to get one, click on ?Official launch ? 16th May 2007? and you will see the link in bold at the start of the third paragraph.

Alison says she believes this manifesto is really important:

"Together we can change the system so that in the future women will be able to make informed choices about how to feed their babies and be fully supported in their decision.?

She wants to get across the sense of enabling women to have success. ?Together we are making the difference for future generations.?

Great news Fio!!

I am only Fio in my dreams - she is v funny and quick-witted whereas I am just a Lio

I am such a suck-up - whenever anyone starts a thread in praise of other MN-ers I have to restrain myself from writing long, fawning essays about all the brilliant people I love on this site

have emailed my MP

Just emailed mine too - this is such a cool initiative - thanks for posting it moondog

What a surprise "Dick" Ottoway, my MP, hasn't signed. I'm not even sure I can be bothered to email him following his response to that bill about bf-ing in public and not being harrassed.

Thanks for link - have done the necessary

Yup, big surprise there, soupy. Of course, we could hardly expect the MP for Nestletown to support breastfeeding, could we?

(He did sign the independent midwives one, astonishingly, but he's probably not bright enough to make any connection...)

I'm tempted to email him just to see if his response includes the word "draconian" again. And whether he's managed to get the correct web address for his own website on his headed paper...

bump

Have emailed my MP, Barbara Follett - am sure she'll be up for this.

Bump

Thanks mrs flowerpot.

Done it.