Stop infant formula samples and "top up's" being given to new mums in hospital

Rejected 13 signatures

What the petition asks

when women give birth, they immediately begin a new and crucial journey into breastfeeding. The NHS and the WHO state breastfeeding is recommended. Yet only a third of UK babies receive milk from their mother. This is because we are offered formula in maternity wards as "top up". This needs to stop

it is so damaging to a fledgling relationship between mother and Nursling. Midwives and HCAs offer "shall we give them a little topup? Would you like SMA or C&G?". From day 1 you are given the impression your body can't possibly produce enough. Then, over time, because these topups get in the way of the delecate supply and demand relationship, the mothers milk really does reduce. By week 2 most mums give up completely. Formula companies win. Babies lose out. Depression is up. So is obesity....

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Deciding whether or not to provide formula milk to new mothers is a matter for individual NHS trusts, not the Government or House of Commons.

If you want maternity wards in your area to stop offering formula milk to new mothers you should contact your local NHS trust about this.

Timeline

3 Oct 2020	Petition opened for signatures
28 Oct 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 13

Status Rejected

Rejected 28 Oct 2020

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