New mothers across the UK are coming forward to share their harrowing experiences with breastfeeding, highlighting what they describe as a critical shortfall in postnatal support. These accounts reveal a profound emotional and physical toll, with some women stating their early feeding journeys were so traumatic they have decided against having more children.
Jess Nicholson from Brighton recounted a terrifying incident after giving birth to twins via caesarean section in September 2023 at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester. She described one of her babies turning blue and almost suffocating during a breastfeeding attempt. Ms Nicholson attributed this near-tragedy, in part, to understaffing on the ward, which led to long waits for assistance. 'I know I won't have another kid, because I don't want to do that beginning bit again,' she stated, reflecting on the immense pressure she and her husband faced without adequate support.
Another mother, Vicki Rose, who had her baby in February at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, experienced an emergency caesarean and an infection, which delayed her milk supply. She was advised to 'triple-feed' every three hours – a demanding regimen involving breastfeeding, supplementing with expressed milk or formula, and then pumping. Ms Rose described this period as 'horrible,' leaving her with barely any time for personal care and feeling 'robbed of the newborn period.' She felt medical staff implied she was 'not doing enough' when her daughter struggled to gain weight, suggesting a need for better communication training for healthcare professionals.
Lucy, another new mother, also reported 'toe curling pain' in the initial weeks of breastfeeding and was similarly advised to triple-feed. She shared that this intensive routine significantly impacted her mental health and her bond with her son, making her feel like 'just a milk-making machine' rather than enjoying the post-feed cuddles. All three mothers highlighted receiving conflicting advice from different health professionals and felt they were not adequately involved in decisions about their feeding preferences. They expressed a desire for more personalised care that considers their priorities and emotional wellbeing.
In response to these concerns, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust stated it is actively working to ensure its advice and care are 'clear, consistent and compassionate.' University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust also confirmed it is reviewing its care provisions with the aim of making improvements. These statements acknowledge the issues raised and indicate a commitment to addressing the support gaps identified by new mothers.
The experiences shared by these mothers underscore a broader challenge within postnatal care, particularly concerning breastfeeding support. While the NHS promotes breastfeeding due to its recognised health benefits for both mother and baby, the practical realities and potential difficulties many women face often go unaddressed, leading to significant emotional distress and, in some cases, trauma. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has consistently called for increased investment in midwifery services to ensure adequate staffing levels and comprehensive postnatal care.
Source: BBC News