Research published by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) this month highlights again that the majority of mothers want to breastfeed, but for many it does not prove ‘easy’ or come ‘naturally’. Too many women lack timely information and support they need and trust, with devastating consequences…
This echoes findings of the latest published Infant Feeding Survey and the recent World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative Report for the UK. The MMU research reminds us how vital services are, including those delivered by women with lived experience of breastfeeding, with recognised training and without judgment.
What set this research apart was the vivid and compassionate reporting of women’s experiences. Without reliable and timely breastfeeding information and support, researchers shone a light on how when breastfeeding isn’t working out as planned, many women experience this as a devastating threat to their maternal identity.
The researchers from MMU asked over 1,000 mothers whether they thought that breastfeeding challenges impacted their mental health and if so, how. A whopping 64.4% confirmed that they had. The research concluded that there is a ‘bi-directional link’ between breastfeeding difficulties and maternal mental health, and that through appropriate support and education, the UK can reduce the number of women stopping breastfeeding before they want to, as well as reduce poor maternal mental health. Specifically, they recommended:
- Realistic education about what to expect during breastfeeding, including potential challenges
- Specific ‘technical’ support on breastfeeding, particularly latching, milk supply and breast pain
- Educating healthcare professionals, families and society to support breastfeeding mums/ parents better and without judgment
These recommendations reflect what we know at The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) and the focus of our work. We need commitment from government and from donors to both invest in long term and universal support, take action on the latest WBTI recommendations and the current postcode lottery of breastfeeding support.
BfN supports well over 60,000 mothers and families at various stages of their infant feeding journey every year. Together with our partners at the ABM, BfN runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline (NBH). Our support covers a huge variety of infant feeding topics including latching, milk supply, breast pain, stopping feeding and combination feeding. Our trained volunteers and staff have personal experience of breastfeeding and support with empathy and without judgment. In addition, volunteer pharmacists on BfN’s Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service help thousands of parents with clinical questions about treatments and implications for breastfeeding.
Since March 2024, the National Breastfeeding Helpline has run a round-the-clock service, extending the existing 365 day-a-year service and responding to more calls than ever. Funded by UK governments, an evaluation of the first year of 24-hour operation showed that:
- Whilst some callers are not anxious about breastfeeding, 93% of callers are, and report a reduction in their anxiety/ distress levels after contacting our services
- 31% of callers had used our support before and 93% will ‘definitely recommend NBH to a friend’
- Although many callers are seeking support on stopping breastfeeding, 89% felt confident to continue breastfeeding after calling us
- The main reason for 72% of callers contacting us is to get support from an independent, trained person with personal experience of breastfeeding
MMU’s research confirms the vital importance of adequate investment in trusted information and support services and training of healthcare professionals so that quality-assured breastfeeding support is available to all who need it. 25% of our callers are from areas with high deprivation levels and we support callers with an ethnicity profile comparable to the wider UK population. Our services (helpline, social media, and face-to-face support) are proven to support women and families with breastfeeding challenges and so help those who choose to breastfeed to continue, positively impacting their mental health.
Contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 – 24/7, any day of the year for infant feeding support and information. If you prefer to message, please direct message the Facebook or Instagram page, and a peer supporter will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you’d like to help us continue to provide support and training free to all women and families who need it, you can donate to us by texting BFN and any whole amount up to £20 to 70085. E.g. BFN 5 to give £5, BFN 10 to give £10 and so on.
For other ways to donate, please see our donation page.