Varied and often vulnerable experiences underline importance of infant feeding support

Decisions about how to feed your baby are deeply personal and every woman and parent deserves to feel respected and supported, whatever their feeding journey looks like. No judgement, no exceptions.

New parents are often looking for guidance, support and reassurance as they navigate feeding - whether establishing breastfeeding, expressing milk, mixed feeding, using formula safely, caring for multiples, or supporting a baby with additional needs. These varied and often vulnerable experiences underline just how vital high-quality, responsive infant feeding and postnatal care is.

We know that most mothers who stop breastfeeding early would have liked to continue for longer, and that many experience significant challenges - from pain and difficulties with latching to concerns about milk supply.

It is vital to send a clear message to women and parents: stopping breastfeeding is not a failure and you should be wholly supported in your feeding decisions.

Early intervention with high-quality breastfeeding and infant feeding support - makes a real difference - but years of spending cuts have left postnatal care dangerously inadequate, with too many women and families missing vital help. Differences in feeding experiences - shaped by factors such as age, ethnicity and socioeconomic circumstances - highlight the need for support that is accessible, inclusive and culturally responsive for all families.

Parents need funded, dedicated help antenatally and from birth and ongoing personalised care. Investing in this support is an investment in women’s health, babies, families and in our society’s long-term health.