06/08/2025
So true.
It’s World Breastfeeding Week. I’ve shared this post five years in a row now as it remains relevant. One year I hope I won’t have to. I’ll become a cat or running shoe researcher instead.
This week was designed to protect and support breastfeeding. To highlight why we need to invest in mothers, families, babies and the future. Yet for many, this week just makes them want to shout and throw things because breastfeeding certainly isn’t something to celebrate for them.
For far too many, any mention of breastfeeding reminds them of pain, anxiety & a lack of support. It reminds them of their determination to do what had been promised as simple, enjoyable and the ‘right’ way to feed their baby. Determination which slowly turned to desperation when it didn’t work for them.
It reminds mothers of the heartbreak they felt as they stopped breastfeeding before they were ready – it wasn’t just about the promised health benefits but the feeling that their body wasn’t doing what it was meant to do, and the fact they just really wanted to do it.
But this pain is the reason we continue. This week is not about telling everyone they should breastfeed... but more about insisting that those with power step up and actually do something about investing in making a better future for the next generation.
At the moment, rather than protecting breastfeeding, the government doesn’t invest properly in the services, support & expertise that would actually enable breastfeeding – despite reports finding it could save the NHS money.
Instead, cuts to services take away volunteer groups and funding of breastfeeding specialists. What should be an easily fixable issue can turn turned into months of physical pain - and a lifetime of continued emotional pain.
The simple truth is that we set women up to fail. Most breastfeeding problems are created by a society that is not breastfeeding friendly: the actions of others are responsible for poor breastfeeding rates & trauma.
This week is about recognising that hurt and calling for change. I wish we didn’t have to have it. I certainly wish that not so many women and families were hurt by it.
