Breast for the best
To explore why breastfeeding is considered as the best for mums and babies and how Sheffield is a best breastfeeding friendly city
Although UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, Sheffield has the highest rate, which is 80%, in Yorkshire and Humber. According to Public Health England, the number of women in England still breastfeeding six to eight weeks after the birth of a child is still below 50% while it is above 50% in Sheffield.
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‘You don’t know what you are doing. No matter how much research you did before, you have no way to know whether you do it right. A lot of people assume babies know how to do it but they just don’t.’ Kate said.
After an endless period of pregnancy, the first thing to do as a mum is to learn how to breastfeed, and teach her baby how to do it as well. Breastfeeding is never an easy task for mums, especially for those who had no previous experience. Kate Lou, 27, has been breastfeeding her son, Bertie, for 16 months since he was born.
Talking about her first breastfeeding experience, Kate said she breastfed her baby straight after giving birth. She recalled her memories of breastfeeding in front of others, she said she was shy at first.
‘When I first breastfed, it was a bit strange. I know it’s not exposing yourself, but you are at the same time. I remember when I went to my parents’ house, they turned around and said they are giving me privacy. Actually I just need everything normal, like nothing’s happening.’
‘The more you breastfeed, more normal it will be. Especially going to the support group helps me understand that, because everybody just puts their breast out. And it becomes so normal and desensitised.’
When a mother chooses to breastfeed, she does not only have to fight against her personal confusion and struggles, but also criticisms from strangers.
Roisin O’Bentley, 34, a physiotherapist, shared horrible moments she experienced when she breastfed her three-year-old daughter for 11 months.
Not only people simply coming closer to get a look at her breast, she heard violating comments saying, ‘Stop flashing your tits, any self-respecting woman shouldn’t be doing that around. Get away from here when you’re doing that!’
‘I felt like I was doing something wrong and that everybody was judging me for breastfeeding my baby. I stayed at home a lot after each experience.' Rosin said.
Overcoming the embarrassment and shame brought by those moments, she still decides to withstand the stares and breastfeed her upcoming baby bravely.
‘Looking back now, I know I did nothing wrong and I think when I breastfeed my second baby I will be stronger and less intimidated by others.’
The Equality Act 2010 states that it is sexual discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. This applies to anyone providing services, benefits, facilities and premises to the public. No mother should be stopped.
Advantages of breastfeeding
Indeed, there are different alternatives but breastfeeding is the most comfortable and convenient way for Kate as a full time mum.
‘I enjoying the process of feeding Bertie. It's a very nice thing between us. Rather than carrying a bottle out, getting milk in, or measuring the proportion, I don’t have to do any of that. It's an ease.’
Kate also admitted that health concern is included in her consideration.
‘Many people say there is not a big difference between formula and breast milk, but I believe there is. Breastfeeding is easier, healthier and more sustained. For me, why would I give him something that I have to pay for when I can produce something is better?’
Breastfeeding support in Sheffield
To show the determination of turning Sheffield into a best breastfeeding city, the council have officially opened a room in Town Hall after the success of the Moor Market room.
https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/dedicated-breastfeeding-room-opened-in-sheffield-town-hall-1-9375383
Not all women have the courage to breastfeed on a public bench, it is essential for them to feel confident and comfortable when breastfeeding in public. The Breastfeeding Friendly Award is set up to identify public places and workplaces which offer a good level of facilities and support for breastfeeding. There are around 300 breastfeeding venues in Sheffield currently.
‘Many women stop breastfeeding due to experiences like my own, or low self confidence, which is so sad. It's precious to be able to breastfeed, that it is incredibly important to help women feel safe and less vulnerable from judging comments in these designated places.’ Rosin said.
Dr Clare Relton, a senior health researcher at the University of Sheffield, pointed out that breastfeeding is not valued in UK. Based on her findings involving 10 thousands babies in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, she suggests local authority can encourage breastfeeding by giving financial incentives.
Showing a sexualised part of your body to feed a baby is not easy at all. Undoubtedly, more praise and support should be given to these mums.
