We are really pleased to see the launch of The Food Foundation’s report Breaking down barriers to breastfeeding to support healthy weight in childhood. Dayna Brackley and Cressida Pidgeon were key contributors to the report with their research on the local and national policy landscape, barriers and enablers to initiation and longevity, funding and infrastructure, spaces and the workplace, initiatives and practice and the impact of the wider food system.
Important findings:
– 44% of women who breastfeed would have liked to do so for longer
– 31% of women didn’t have breastfeeding support during nights and weekends
– The report also includes results from a media analysis conducted by Dayna and Cressida, which showed only 7% of articles painted a positive picture of breastfeeding.
Policy recommendations:
– More investment in breastfeeding services and support
– More financial support for new parents
– Enhanced protection against inappropriate marketing from the commercial infant milk formula