STAR LETTER: We see more flesh on a hot day

10:35am Thursday 15th May 2008

IN reply to the letter 'Have you no modesty ladies?' (Dear Star, April 24), firstly, I'm sorry it was so hard for Newton resident to breastfeed in public, and I'm sorry one of her babies had to eat its dinner with a shawl over its head as a result of the social constraints of the time.

However, just because it was difficult and embarrassing for her does not mean she should try to make it just as difficult for today's mothers. Times have changed, and these days you can see far more flesh on display on a hot summer's day than you can when a baby is eating its dinner.

Two of the suggestions made by Newton resident are also problematic.

It is never advisable to use a dummy to put off a feed. Not only can this lead to a baby not getting enough milk (and therefore becoming ill) but also prolonged use of dummies is linked with poor oral health, dental problems and even speech delays.

Bottles are also not recommended for breastfed babies in the early days, the sucking used to get milk from a bottle is a different type of sucking, babies can get confused and not return to the breast. Expressing milk is not a skill all women are able to learn, and also by putting off feeds a woman risks becoming uncomfortable and this can lead to problems like mastitis.

Formula milk in a bottle is not a viable alternative for breastfed babies. It changes the lining of the gut and puts baby at increased risk of illnesses such as gastroenteritis.

Newton resident should go to an art gallery such as the Walker and gaze at some of the pictures of Mary breastfeeding Jesus, painted hundreds of years ago, where there is a lot of breast on display, and complain about Mary being immodest.

RUTH Moss, breastfeeding peer supporter, Thatto Heath.

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