Breastfeeding debate on GMTV

[jehefinner]

I was asked to return to the LK show to discuss this, but was unable to get the time off work, so couldn't point out on national tv the Ckaire Byam-Cooke has no training or qualifications in breastfeeding, and hasn't been a registered or practicing midwife for over 20 years, so is far from an expert on the subject.

[jehefinner]

Poor stupid, ignorant Claire Byam-Cooke, the sugars in breastmill are combined with lactoferrin, and don't cause tooth decay. On the contrary, the immune factors in breastmilk fight the harmful bacteria in the mouth. There's nothing freaky or sexual or wrong about nursing a 4 year old, it's biologically normal.

[SatchmoSings]

The whole point of ending breast-feeding is when children have TEETH.

Sheesh.

[jowljawjean1]

GMTV, weather slot is sponsored by baby-milk maker Nestlé....

[Rawwildwoman]

However it is highly likely for humans with much larger brains than all other higher primates that it could be even higher.

[Rawwildwoman]

On average humans go into adolescence at around 12-14 - however this has dropped significantly over the last 100 years. Melatonin is a key player in determining the age one enters adolescence. Melatonin levels have dropped and melatonin is not included in powdered cows milk - although it is present in breastmilk. Even if we go with the figures 12-14 it would still mean that the natural age for weaning would be somewhere between 6-7.

[Rawwildwoman]

All higher primates - with smaller brains than ours breastfeed for between 6-8 years - most people are unaware of this.

These primates go into adolescence earlier than we do and live shorter lives. This is relevant because biologically there is a connection to natural weaning ages in other primates - most stop around the half way mark to adolescence.

[Rawwildwoman]

The whole long-term breastfeeding debate is erroneous.

All children need to be breastfed full-term.

The full-term age is what is debatable - and it is generally accepted as being 2.5 to 7.

However I think this gap is too large.

If we look at the encephalization quota - measuring brain to body size - with humans being at the top and higher primates just below-we find some interesting traits as we go from the bottom to the top. Extending breastfeeding lengths being one trait.

[bvftvcderhnkiu765wsd]

It would be so cool if I could breast-feed.

[islandmamma]

The person in the middle infuriates me, her opinion means absolutely nothing at all(sadly other ignorant people will believe her) , its about facts and the fact is she is ill educated about breastfeeding and human nature. She probably doesn't even have kids herself.

[pshardhorny]

'its about facts and the fact is she is ill educated about breastfeeding and human nature'

That's opinion. Clearly your inability to separate 'facts' from opinion renders your whole argument invalid by your own judgement.

[islandmamma]

@pshardhorny Nice try

[pshardhorny]

I suggest you invest in a dictionary before arrogantly and ignorantly tell people what does and doesn't count as 'fact'.

[islandmamma]

Breastfeeding should last two years and beyond according to WHO and according to humanity. At two years mothers milk gets another surge of imuno boosters much like colostrum. Human milk is for human babies.

[TIPSfounder]

Hello Mammy Julie

I have tried to send you a message but please email me at my website and I will send you a copy of the cup feeding article

Sharon

[DarkandJaded]

dental problems can be hereditary and i doubt that it has enough sugar to rot teeth.

[pshardhorny]

It may have been a bad comparison, but I've heard there is plenty of evidence that breast milk is bad for teeth beyond a certain age. Breast milk is not meant to be used as feed beyond a certain age.

[mammyJulie]

From my own research there is no conclusive evidence that this is the case. Considering our ancestors would have bf for years rather than months and studies of their skulls show no sign of tooth decay it contradicts this 'evidence'. Breastmilk actually has antibacterial properties which kill the bacteria plaque feeds on so could help prevent tooth decay. However a bf child with poor dental hygeine is still going to be at risk.

[GenevaSwiss]

Let me tell you my thoughts.

Parenting i mean proper marriage is most important for a child than brestfeeding....

in England tenage girls just shag and produce children to get a flat.

there must be a campaign to not shag before proper marriage.

there more bastards in England than there are in the entire world.

[mammyJulie]

Whats that got to do with breastfeeding? Whilst I think having 2 parents is important to any child in this day and age I dont see what marriage has to do with it. You can be in a commited relationship and bring up children well without being married - but then thats another debate, cant see the relevance to bf.

[TIPSfounder]

As a passionate advocate of breastfeeding and researcher into breastfeeding issues I was shocked to be sent word of Clare Byam -Cooks' inaccurate advice that 'breastmilk may not be any better for older children than drinking cola'!! This is totally UNTRUE and my published paper on cup feeding proves it. The reasons for this are varied but sugary drinks, especially FORMULA MILK is the cause of tooth decay in young children and NOT breastmilk!

Sharon Trotter

Midwife and breastfeeding consultant

[mammyJulie]

Oh how can I get hold of this? I help run a bf support group and we had a dental nurse say similar things to this mw (although the risk is only to toddlers and not younger babies - go figure!). I gave her a lot of information that contradicted this but the dental world still seems split on this issue. I'd love to have a copy of your paper for our resources.

[poppyblue2468]

Im breastfeeding a 22 month old a 4 month old. Breast is best, my milk give my babies everything they need nutritionally.

I feel saddened to see women turning on each other over such issues. We should support each other as mothers, sisters and daughters. Maybe if there were a more united approach from our sex towards breastfeeding there might not be such debate.

And don't forget of course formula companies are against breastfeeding as the more women who breastfeed the less are buying formula.

[elliekat73]

JenDiggityDirt - Clare Byam-Cook isn't actually a midwife any more. She retired from the profession some time ago and now works privately with clients. As she no longer works as a MW or formally trained breastfeeding counsellor, she is no longer accountable to any accredited body and receives no supervision, has no obligation to update her research, and is not retrained. TBH, am almost more shocked at her assertion that small children don't require snacks between meals! That is just incorrect.

[elliekat73]

Ms. Byam-Cook doesn't actually have any formal qualifications in breastfeeding, yet she styles herself an 'expert'. She derides formally qualified breastfeeding counsellors trained by internationally recognised bodies such as the NCT and La Leche League, but I can't help thinking that this is merely professional jealousy. After all, the services of an NCT bfc are free to anyone, and she herself makes a fair amount of money from her advice. I'd take anything she said with a sack of salt.

[emmegebe]

Ms. Byam-Cook is fails to understand that breastfeeding an older child is NOT primarily about the food. Breastfeeding is about connection and comfort and communication as much as it is about milk. Mothers of older nurslings may actually have very little milk anyway (unless they are also feeding a younger baby, like the mother interviewed here). Breastfeeding has major physiological effects in both mothers and children, and these should not be dismissed.

[JenDiggityDirt]

I have been watching a lot of videos about breastfeeding and my opinions of its importance has changed drastically, but I have to say I kind of understand what the midwife was saying. I think it could very well set kids up for bad eating habits to nurse them for so many years.

[mammyJulie]

My personal experience is with an older child bf is rarely about satisfying hunger and more about reconnecting with the mother. Besides its a misconception that its healthier to eat 3 or 4 large meals and its probably better to eat little and often. Breastfed children learn from birth to eat when theyre hungry and to stop when theyre full resulting in good eating habits.

[rebsa3]

Why would Ms. Byam Cook compare breastmilk to Coke !?!? Does coke even come close to breastmilk when formula can't hold a candle to breastmilk!?!? If she is such a breastfeeding expert why would she say that?!?

[PrimalLadyRosy]

@rebsa3 Hi Reb. I agree with you. That was a very stupid thing of her to say. But, if you'll excuse me, did you notice her posture & body language? She apparently has a huge problem with the very idea of human breast feeding. She said that, it seems;because she was trying to belittle natural lifestyle & because of her own discomfort with nature. Who knows? Someone may be lining her pockets, that could add to it. Let's just make sure every baby gets cola in a baby bottle & Byam will be happy.

[GenevaSwiss]

in india they breast untill 5 years? Fucking hell. and actually indians produce 10 children at least then the mother would be 24/7 feeding the fucking children

[mammyJulie]

If it wasnt for breastfeeding they'd have many more as breastfeeding is the worlds most reliable contraception and can result in a natural child spacing of 3-4 years. If you look at our own history most of our ancestors would have bf for similar lengths of time. Bf a toddler isnt as time consuming as bf a newborn so no they wont be bf all day everyday. Any informed comments?

[pshardhorny]

' breastfeeding is the worlds most reliable contraception '

How, exactly?

[mammyJulie]

Because for the majority of women breastfeeding delays ovulation. If your baby is under 6 months old, breastfeeding completely on demand, not receiving any supplements or sucking on a dummy and you dont go mkore than 4 hours through the day or 6 hours at night between feeds then bf is a more effective contraception than the pill. Google it - theres plenty out there to confirm what I said. From personal experience bf stopped me getting pregnant for 17 months and I'm usually pretty fertile

[pshardhorny]

'bf is a more effective contraception than the pill'

Utter bullshit.

Really, how stupid/ignorant do you think people are?

[mammyJulie]

Lol its scientifically proven not something I've just made up. The hormones your body produces whilst bf supress ovulation. Think about it - is it really in the mothers best interests to fall pregnant again when she has a young baby completely reliant on her for his nutrition? In our society its less effective because people often use dummys, top up feeds with formula, feed to routine etc. In some societies unrestricted bf results in a natural child spacing of 3-4 years.

[Foxycyclegoddess]

@pshardhorny breastfeeding will prevent most mothers from ovulating for up to an average of 14 month after birth.

[islandmamma]

@Foxycyclegoddess you should take that advice yourself, fact is she is ill informed

[PrimalLadyRosy]

@Foxycyclegoddess Does that include no bleeding. I would love to read about it. Could you pm me studies?

[mariahmadrileno]

The journalist who wrote the description needs some serious lessons in grammar.

The modal verb should can only come before women if you are posing a single question.

Lorraine opens up the debate. how long should women breastfeed for?

or

Lorraine opens up the bedabe about how long women should breastfeed for.

C'mon ITV.

[pshardhorny]

I think you need some lessons in grammar, particularly functional grammar.

She is not posing a question. The clause 'how long women should breast for' is a statement, with 'about' functioning as a conjunction between this clause and the preceeding one, hence 'should', is in the correct position.

It's like saying:

'Lorraine opens up the debate about WHETHER WOMEN SHOULD BREASTFEED.'

is wrong.

Few things worse than a pedant, even fewer things worse than an incorrect pedant.

[mariahmadonnafan]

Yes should acts as a relative here but placing it before women puts the stress on the word "women", women are the only people who can breastfeed therefore it would make more sense to put the word should before the verb "breastfeed" as that is the main verb. Not teachinically grammatically incorrect, your right, but not written well.

[mammyJulie]

Pmsl at the woman saying they need the goodness from ordinary milk - tell my 17 month old who is dairy intollerant - thank god for my breastmilk! Have to say extended breastfeeding came out on top the author and the mother were fantastic. The so called midwife clearly knew nothing and many of her claims have no evidence to back them up. Unfortunetly its the 'proffessionals' who people take notice of. I wont say how long I bf my 5 year old for but like the mother it was longer than the 'norm'

[Byzanthia]

What does she think cows make better milk for humans than humans do?

Pmsl indeed, the stupidity astounds.

[butterfly2729]

Breast is best.

It has the best nutrition for babies

It's the correct temperature

It's free

There's reduced chance of colic (if any AT ALL)

Babies who are breast fed have a better immune system

On top of all that, a baby longs for the breast and bond with their mother. Not a piece of rubber and plastic - bottle or dummy.

Up to 2 years is sufficient.

[pshardhorny]

So how come so many people are bottle fed but are perfectly healthy?

I bet 99% of society is bottle fed and have no problems.

[themanamp]

Even if that's true, so what? If society was 99% breast-fed, there'd still be no problems and we'd be saving money on getting milk from cows.

At the end of the day, it's free, good human milk... let the kids have it, I say.

[rebsa3]

Artificial milk increases risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, apendicitis, eczema, allergies, asthma, menegitis. These are a few of the lifetime benefits of breastmilk. Health service would save millions if more babies were breastfed WHO reconmmended 2 year minimum. Is 99% of society really healthy?

[sophiedb]

I wish GMTV (among others) would stop trotting out CBC every time there's a "debate" on breastfeeding. Her opinions are outdated, as are her "expert" qualifications.

[gingermosha]

being a midwfe dosen't make you a breastfeeding councellor or an expert,CBC is a disgrace to her profession

[nanefy]

That midwifes comments were ridiculous. The woman doesn't only provide breast milk in order to calm her daughter down, but that is the angle that the midwife chose to run with...why? because there are no valid reasons why a child should not breast feed until they decide otherwise. It is a 'societies' decision to stop breast feeding after a certain age, because society deems it to be abhorrent, which is ridiculous! It is a natural process and to compare it to coca cola is just ludicrous.

[pshardhorny]

I agree with her. Too many dumb bitches shouting their dumb mouths off and claiming they know better than anyone else just cos they've got tits.

[kellystarone]

Breast milk is made for your baby!!

Not cows dryed powered mush! Oops milk!! 18 months was enough for my baby and I. Some countries depend on it for their children.

That midwife was shocking!

Each to their own on how long!

Breast milk all the way!!

[MasterOfSuprise]

breasts! (schoolboy snigger)

[wensdayuk]

Oh my goodness I want to give her a smack.

[thingswelike]

She features on Gina Ford's website, and doesnnot appear to believe in baby-led anything. I think she did babies everywhere a favour by sending herself up with the cocal cola comment.

[foxfootfemale]

She's not been a midwife for many years,, not since 1985.

[mklmri]

Um did I really just hear someone compare breatfeeding with eating sweets and watching TV. What a loony!

I fed my son until he was 4 and 3 months and he is a happy, healthy, confident child with perfect teeth and certainly doesn't expect sweets when he falls over! We don't even keep biscuits in the house. She could at least have educated herself about what feeding an older child is actually about.

[hippymamavictoria]

The whole thing is disappointing, and a shame that mums are doing what they should be doing feeding there children and they are being ridicule as if they are poisoning and rotting children's teeth. Bad dental hygiene is the biggest cause of rotten teeth . I think the mum and author of the book did very well and came across as very informed and educated adults. The so call expert should be ashamed of herself or was it said for shock response do GMTV need the viewer ratings ?????

[pshardhorny]

Why is she a 'so-called' expert? Because she disagreed with you?

Please tell us, what are your credentials?

[pshardhorny]

Why is she a 'so-called' expert? Because she disagreed with you?

Please tell us, what are your credentials?

[themanamp]

Because she compared human milk, the successful product of a million years of evolution to a fizzy soft drink that can cause tooth decay, that's why.

[ellideb]

Of course children need to snack between meals the silly mare, they need the energy! Breastmilk is sweet, yes, but the nipple goes far back into the back of the mouth and bypasses the teeth, just like drinking through a straw so damage to the teeth is a fallacy. Stupid woman.

[Superbritgirl]

Who is that stupid bitch in the middle? Breastfeeding counsellor my arse.

[samjtyler79]

I'd love to know what nutritious benefit the woman at 00.39 thinks COW'S milk has over human milk. Silly mare.

[moogyboobles]

Breastfeeding expert my arse! Why do the media book this woman? I could go declare myself a brain surgeon and would GMTV book me?

[elainesundancer]

I am disgusted that they even have the nerve to show such tripe. How anyone can go on TV and compare human milk to cola just dumbfounds me!

CBC needs to be locked away.

[dawntigga]

CBC perpetuating myths on breastfeeding - what a shock!

Anyone know exactly what qualifications the woman has to comment on this? None I can find. Being a midwife doesn't make you a breastfeeding councellor!!!!

[nataliedees]

A search of the NMC register also shows that she is no longer registered as a midwife so should she really use this title? Clearly she is not keeping informed in the slightest with anything to do with breastfeeding. She is extremely damaging.