LETTERS: Surely we can do more to encourage breastfeeding mums returning to work?

UK breastfeeding rates are among the lowest in the world, with just 0.5 per cent of babies breastfed after they turn one, while the breastfeeding rate at six months is 34 per cent.

So what happens between six and 12 months to cause such a sharp decline in UK breastfeeding rates when the benefits of longer-term feeding – including nutrition, immunity and attachment – are increasingly well known?

We know anecdotally that many mothers cite returning to work as a factor for ceasing to breastfeed.

The question must be: what can be done to support mothers who want to continue to breastfeed transition from maternity leave back into the workplace?

Feeding from nine to 12 months onwards looks very different to newborn feeding, with far less frequency, and some working mothers we’ve spoken to suggest that continuing morning and night feeds is a bonding experience that can help ease the adjustment of returning to work.

Employers large and small should have even a basic occupational health policy to support breastfeeding mothers, which could include providing space and time to pump for those returning earlier to work, and ensuring line managers support all mothers to leave work on time.

This World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the Commercial Occupational Health Providers Association (COHPA) is encouraging all employers to consider how to support mothers who want to continue breastfeeding after returning to work feel that they can.

Anna Jones

General manager

COHPA

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There was anger among some commuters after locals heading out of Inverness on a northbound evening train were asked to step back onto the platform to make way for tourists travelling to their cruise ship in Invergordon.

“I suspect most of the local passengers benefit from tourism, so Catch 22. No tourism, no Inverness economy. Suck it up!” – Alan MacKellaich, Peterculter

“On Tuesday 25th we travelled Scotrail Inverness to Edinburgh at 10:50. This train was packed at Inverness with the door exits blocked with luggage. The ticket man was wandering up and down trying to help folks find a seat. There is insufficient luggage storage and in the event of an emergency, we would have to climb over suitcases. Unsafe and unfair for anyone getting on after Inverness.” – Halinka Rands, Drumnadrochit

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