Breastfeeding even benefits the planet that baby will live on

Breastfeeding support is not only vitally important for those mothers who need it, but it should also be considered a ‘just transition’ activity for the environment, writes Aoife Long

Women value the experience of breastfeeding, the bonding opportunity with their baby, and the knowledge that their body can nurture another human. File Picture: iStock

“You’re not a bad mother if you give formula”. This was my doctor’s way of reassuring me as I struggled with breastfeeding after my son was born. I didn’t think I was a bad mother; breastfeeding was simply important to me and how I wanted to raise my child.

This is a common experience for mothers, according to Professor Amy Brown, author of Why Breastfeeding, Grief and Trauma Matter . Her research highlighted that women value the experience of breastfeeding, the bonding opportunity with their baby, and the knowledge that their body can nurture another human.