Local mums offered £200 to breastfeed

[Pete]

Interesting article in the DT today about a “joint government and research sector initiative – which will see mums from parts of Chesterfield offered up to £200 in High Street vouchers – is designed to boost breastfeeding rates in deprived areas.”

"Mothers in Boythorpe, Birdholme and St Augustine in Chesterfield will be offered vouchers worth up to £120 if their babies receive breastmilk until they are six weeks old and a further £80 if their babies continue to receive breastmilk up to six months."

Surely breastfeeding is the most natural thing to do?

http://bit.ly/1cRUybK

[Fly]

I was breast fed, it's why I share my mothers intelligence and sense of humour 

[Old Cruser]

Not all mums can breast feed - would the cow and gate equivalent do?

[Pete]

I think thats a bit extreme OC - what if you dont live in the countryside...

[simondjuk]

I dont agree with this, its natural for women to breastfeed, ive seen it and personally I dont find anything wrong with it.  We have a site where its welcomed but no-one seems to as its very public, plus the 'clientele' isnt that nice.

I think paying someone to breastfeed is bribery plus its only honesty.  You could feed them cows milk then tell them you were breastfeeding and get the vouchers.

The money would be better off educating younger mothers.

[Fly]

I don't see it as bribery, but agree, some will see it as a way to make a few bob.
By all means keep bringing the subject into the public realm, but payment as an incentive, nah !!

[Old Cruser]

I think thats a bit extreme OC - what if you dont live in the countryside...

    

[mycul]

I am 63 but I might consider the idea of breast feeding.  All appicants please call on 01246 123456

[Old Cruser]

  You are a man with boobies     

[mycul]

No, I am a man who would like boobies.  Applicants?

[emmz]

I don't agree that mums should be paid to do something that's natural. That said I know many mums that are unable to do so, being a bit personal now When Laura was born i had big issues getting her to latch correctly and had major pain wit blisters etc, but also she was a bigger hungrier baby. So what i did was feed her formula but also myself too, she never went hungry but it meant that i could keep trying, i managed to feed her until 6 months with my milk and formula...look at her now, she is healthy hardly ever poorly and is a lively 5 year old.
But the incentive should not be oooo i could get 200 quid from this, it should be this is my baby i'll do my best for him/her regardless of how they are fed!
(fyi) Laura was born a nice 10lb 1oz

[Old Cruser]

Womens talk so you men 

My daughter was 5lb 9oz when born so small Emmz, however my milk didn't 'come in' until she was 2 weeks old so it wasn't possible. Hospital did try I felt a bit like a cow with what they tried 

Anyway she stayed on bottle milk - cow and gate premium which was the equivilant to breast milk.