May I point out to all those who think that breastfeeding counsellors have any authority over breastfeeding mothers, what our work entails. The breastfeeding counsellors give complete and correct information to mothers that seek it. We give courses to expectant mothers interested in learning more about breastfeeding, thus enabling them to make an informed choice.

We offer a help line to mothers who decide to breastfeed and those who wish to wean their infants and are already formula-feeding their infants. In most cases, problems are resolved over the phone; however, when required, we visit these mothers at home. We also provide special pillows to help mothers breastfeed more comfortably. Some of us help out at the breastfeeding clinic at St Luke’s hospital, which is attended by parents from all walks of life with their beautiful babies. Other members occasionally write articles in the local newspapers and magazines. We do all this voluntarily and are one of the Cana groups.

We have a responsibility to give the right information based on scientific research and the advice of the World Health Organisation. We cannot give incorrect or incomplete information for the sake of not making mothers feel guilty because we would be cheating others.

We cannot say that formula-fed babies are not intelligent or that they are obese; there are other factors that determine that. On the other hand, no one can say that breastfed babies are ugly and uneducated or are constantly attached to the breast and so nothing else.

Ecologist Pat Thomas states that formula milk is “nutritionally complete”; however it is a highly processed and severely modified cow’s milk which has no antibodies and is not easily absorbed. It was created in the 1800s for orphans who would have otherwise starved. Formula milk is not sterile, may be contaminated and may contain excessive levels of toxic or heavy metals.

Formula milk for infants under one year cannot be advertised by manufacturers. This proves that formula milk is most definitely inferior to breast milk whatever some people want to believe or are made to believe.

Maybe everyone knows that breast milk is best – but not why. Posters were put up by the Health Promotion unit so that intelligent people question “why?.” Making a mother feel guilty was definitely not the reason. When a mother makes a choice, which she believes was made in the best interest of her infant at the time, she should not feel guilty. A mother should feel cheated when not given the correct and complete information to make the right choice.

The breastfeeding counsellors respect mothers who make an informed choice whether they decide to breastfeed or not. Are others respecting mothers and their choice?

Sandra Bianco

Breastfeeding counsellor

Marsascala