Dear Jamie Oliver
I have read many posts today about you and your breastfeeding remarks, some supporting you, others extremely angry at you, so, as a woman that works trying to help and support women to breastfeed, it is only fair that I say what I feel.
Your comment about it being easy, wasn’t the greatest if i’m honest, some ladies do find it very easy and have no problems whatsoever, but many, many more do have problems, from a baby that is too small to latch, a baby with a tongue tie, or just plain lack of support, I am sure if Jules every struggled she had someone on hand to give help and advice, however many do not, the area that I live in is VERY fortunate that we have an actual breastfeeding team, that deals with nothing but helping and supporting mums to initiate and continue breastfeeding, and some of those mums are SO determined they will put up with sore, cracked, bleeding nipples, yet still they continue because they know it is good for their baby, but we are in the minority, very few places in the UK have anything like it.
Your comment about being nutritious, that’s what you should concentrate on, the list of what is in breastmilk, compared to that in formula is a very interesting subject, and as a man that has spent most of his life campaigning for healthy, nutritious food, it is obvious that this would be an area of interest, but lets not forget some ladies just DO NOT WANT to breastfeed, that is entirely their choice and there are enough breast vs bottle debates without me saying a word.
You have tackled the issues of bad food in schools, you have made the government sit up and take notice about the sugar and obesity problem, so maybe your next effort should be against the enormously rich formula companies, if women choose not to breastfeed their babies that is their choice, but when a baby is born, its tummy is the size of a small marble, only 5ml, so why do these formula companies advise 0-2 weeks up to 100ml every four hours! Is it any wonder they sleep much longer and put on weight so much quicker, the formula companies are telling mums to give their babies 20 times more than they actually need, can you imagine eating 20 times your stomach capacity!
The one important thing that you must do is to not back off, do not shy away from the negative comments (i’m sure you have had much worse about turkey twizzlers and chicken nuggets!) but push forward with a campaign that will ensure more women get breastfeeding support, that want it, more education about the benefits and more fight against the companies that are making millions and don’t give a jot about the consumers, so long as they are paying for the powder that will feed their babies.
And if you fancy tagging along for a day to find out what us women go through for the joy of breastfeeding, let me know
Mandi
Mum of seven all BF xx
A really interesting post. Breastfeeding is really down to personal choice. I doubt Jamie Oliver meant to hurt or upset anyone, I bet he wishes he could unsay what he said!
Woohoo! You j ow my feelings on the topic but loved your post ::) 🙂 I’d love to see Jamie do a week with your team! Would make an awesome tv show and I reckon he’d love it
I have to confess I hadn’t read about Mr. Olivers comments first hand, I’ve only seen feedback. I’m one of the rare mothers who found bf easy (I nursed all three), once I got past the cracked painful nipples stage (oh gosh the memories!). I hope he uses his influence for the good, with this, but he is only human after all, with his own opinions.
Its down to personal choice I did not have one as my daughter was born 10 weeks early and spent over 5 months in SCBU I had to express my milk as she was tube fed.
Exactly Hannah, but there should be more help and support, I have helped numerous babies in SCBU and mum has gone on to successfully breastfeed, but those mums are lucky because they have dedicated help and support, if more money was available for each area to have this kind of support, that would be amazing and I think that is where Jamie should concentrate his well meaning efforts xx
A great post, I think women should not be made to feel bad if they can’t breastfeed. Not everyone can.
what a great post and I totally agree its not for every mom and no mum should ever feel bad for not choosing to breastfeed I did fed 3 of mine myself but 3 were bottle fed and healthy wise there is no difference with my children
Mums should be supported however they choose to feed their babies. I have not heard of the quantities you say formula companies suggest – I always went by my instinct and Midwife’s advice.
Great post. I haven’t seen what Jamie has said but have seen the backlash. I agree that he should carry on his campaign and that more mums should be supported to breast feed but also think the mums who can’t shouldn’t be made to feel bad either.
I found BF so difficult and didn’t produce enough milk and had to stop. Didn’t have a choice so i find these subjects upsetting at times. I think if i had more support my experience could have been different. Still very tramuatised by it all years later.
I have to admit I’ve not heard about what he said – seems like he really wasn’t thinking or was very silly! x
I have not heard what he said so I will check that out. Your response sounds great though x
I think breastfeeding should be encouraged, but with plenty of support. And if the women can’t or chooses not to breastfeed than that is fine too, and they shouldn’t be made to feel guilty. The most important thing is that both baby AND mum are healthy and happy. ,
Fantastic post! I haven’t seen Jamie Oliver’s comments but from what you’ve said it sounds like he’s been a bit of a mug.. Good on you for trying to make the world more breastfeeding-positive (if that’s a word..) !
Fantastic post – it really annoys me when men give unsolicited advice on bodies that aren’t theirs.
I’m still working on my response, but I must confess that I’ve found the uproar about Jamie’s comments confusing in many ways. Interesting comment about the size of a newborn’s tummy vs the recommended quantity of Formula – a good enquiry to make of the Formula companies.
I hope that this issue results in more support for those who need it.
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