A Senior Lecturer in Midwifery from Canterbury Christ Church University joined celebrities and MPs on Wednesday (16th May) to call for more support to raise the low levels of breastfeeding in the UK. The event was organised as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (13th May until 19th May 2007).
Dr Suzanne Colson, who recently unveiled new research which could help mothers who find breastfeeding a challenge, attended the launch of the Breastfeeding Manifesto at the House of Commons with the Unicef Ambassador, Jemima Khan; and the Minister for Public Health, Caroline Flint.
The Breastfeeding Manifesto includes seven specific points for Government action, which would improve the health of UK babies, reduce health inequalities and save the NHS millions of pounds a year.
Dr Colson was accompanied by Kent mother, Amelia Loulli, and her son, eight week old Nicolas, who demonstrated Dr Colson's new findings that mothers who breastfed their infants semi-reclined or lying down, in positions that mirrored the feeding positions of other mammals, had the greatest success.
Dr Colson said: "The event was a huge success and really highlighted the importance of breastfeeding. The objective was to raise awareness of the low levels of breastfeeding in the UK in comparison to other European countries and to explain to the Government why this is an important issue. Along with the policy measures suggested in the Manifesto, my research has the potential to help many mothers to enjoy breastfeeding and to breastfeed for longer. I am delighted that my work received very positive feedback."
Unicef Ambassador, Jemima Khan, said: "Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. It gives protection against diseases no formula can, and changes daily to meet you babies' needs. Sadly, many women, for a variety of reasons, feel reluctant to breastfeed, but I believe it should be the normal acceptable thing to do."