A survey conducted by London Mums reveals that 75% felt that breastfeeding women are accepted in public places but not everywhere.Most felt that in 'nappy valley', particularly Putney and Fulham, there are good places for breastfeeding. However, the perception in the City and Canary Wharf was totally different, with mothers feeling uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, and given dirty looks. London Mums feel that there is a stigma about breastfeeding in public places and wish there would be more 'child friendly' cafes and restaurants. Also, most mums interviewed felt that it was more acceptable to be seen nursing newborn babies rather than bigger, older babies. Only 15% of those interviewed think that they are not accepted in public at all.
66% are still breastfeeding their babies although 30% of them are mixing breast milk and formula. 55% of them felt huge external pressure starting breastfeeding, particularly from NHS health professionals and from NCT breastfeeding advisors. The pressure was perceived as negative and sometimes as emotional blackmail by 46% and as encouragement by 36%. Those 46% felt that the approach was not very sympathetic for the mums who did not want to breastfeed pre-birth and in the maternity ward. One mum commented: "Breast is best but formula is not poison. Mums who do not breastfeed should not feel like they are murdering their child. Being a good mum involves so much more than breastfeeding and formula babies grow as normal."
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