Monday 9th May 2011  
 
Commenting on breastfeeding research published today (Tuesday, 10th may 2011) in The Archives of Disease in Childhood, Janet Fyle, Professional Policy Advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The weight of evidence about the benefits of breastfeeding is well established and this is a  good study which adds to the evidence.

“However, it is vital that women get the help, advice and support from their midwives, particularly once they have gone home, because this is when breastfeeding rates fall.

“We also know that many of the mothers who are motivated to breastfeed tend to be better educated and spend more time socialising or engaged in interactions with their children.  We should therefore not underestimate the role of parenting in the emotional and social development of children as these approaches are also important. 

“Nevertheless, we need to be careful to keep a balance when interpreting the results, so that we do not send a negative message to mothers that they have failed or make them feel guilty because they bottle-fed their babies.”

For more information contact the RCM Press Office on 020 7312 3456, pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Midwives is the voice of midwifery. We are the UK’s only trade union and professional organisation led by midwives for midwives. The vast majority of the midwifery profession are our members. The RCM promotes midwifery, quality maternity services and professional standards. We support and represent our members individually and collectively in all four UK countries.  We influence on behalf of our members and for the interests of the women and families for which they care.  For more information visit the RCM website at www.rcm.org.uk.