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As NCT Breastfeeding Counsellors we think a lot about how we talk about the health outcomes of breastfeeding. It’s not unusual in an antenatal session for someone to ask us a question about the pros and cons of breastmilk vs formula, or whether the health “benefits” of breastfeeding are overblown, and the answers to these questions are incredibly complex, as is the challenge of getting the right tone in our responses.

We’re exploring this issue in this episode, which might give you some idea of how many different things we have to consider when we talk about the health outcomes of breastfeeding.

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In this episode we’re looking at how to choose and use formula milk safely.

Full show notes and details of the citizen science project can all be found on our substack.

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Megan and Frances interview Karen about her new book, Why Mixed Feeding Matters, published by Pinter & Martin in September 2023.

The book is packed with useful information for different approaches to feeding your baby, including breastfeeding, expressing and using formula - and crucially covers how to manage using more than one method of feeding. With a guest chapter on mixed feeding twins and multiples by Janet Rimmer, and a chapter on mixed feeding premature or sick babies, it's a comprehensive guide for parents and health professionals.

Breastfeeding helplines:

NCT 0300 3300 700 option 1, open 8am-midnight, 365 days a year.

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers 0300 330 5453 (9.30am -10.30pm)

National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212

La Leche League 0354 120 2918 8am-11pm

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Naomi Stadlen books: Why Grandmothers Matter, and What Mothers Do (Especially when it looks like nothing)

Papers:

Srisopa, P., Walsh, S., Amoo, T., Gyamfi, A., Henderson, W. A., & Lucas, R. (2022). Relationship Between Feeders and Exclusive Breastfeeding and Mixed Feeding During the First Month of Life. Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. https://doi.org/10.1097/ANC.0000000000001020

Davidson, E. L., & Ollerton, R. L. (2020). Partner behaviours improving breastfeeding outcomes: An integrative review. Women and Birth, 33(1), e15-e23. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2019.05.010

Atkinson, L., Silverio, S. A., Bick, D., & Fallon, V. (2021). Relationships between paternal attitudes, paternal involvement, and infant-feeding outcomes: Mixed-methods findings from a global on-line survey of English-speaking fathers. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 17, Article e13147. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13147

Grassley, J., & Eschiti, V. (2008). Grandmother Breastfeeding Support: What Do Mothers Need and Want? Birth, 35(4), 329-335. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-536X.2008.00260.x

Lok, K. Y. W., Bai, D. L., & Tarrant, M. (2017). Family members’ infant feeding preferences, maternal breastfeeding exposures and exclusive breastfeeding intentions. Midwifery, 53, 49-54.

From DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12337 

Rempel et al 2017

This is a list of things that have been found to always be helpful in terms of support from partners:

Table 1. Partner breastfeeding influence scale subscales

Responsiveness Cronbach’s alphas: men = 0.77, women = 0.76

Make it easy for your partner to breastfeed while entertaining company or visiting others.

Respond sensitively and positively to sexual issues.

Be patient and understanding of the time it takes to breastfeed and don’t get upset if the other housework is not done.

Show your comfort with breastfeeding in public and help her feel comfortable too.

Pay attention to how much and how your partner wants you to participate in breastfeeding.

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