Breastfeeding

But we are talking about adult women. Is it appropriate to think of them, and treat them, as though they are children?

There is a patronising air about the whole scheme.

Women should decide for themselves what is best for them and their babies. I fully bottle fed my 3 DDs from the start and none of them could have been more wanted and loved. They have all grown to be happy and healthy. The' bonding' issue seems to be one that is pushed a lot too. Babies know who Mum is and as long as they are loved, cuddled and taken notice of breast or bottle makes no difference. Now all my DDs are in their 30s I have the same very close relationship with them all that I have always had. They know they are much loved and I know they love me.

I agree with you Ginny about the bonding.
2 of my DGCs were bottle fed and I loved giving them their bottles - it felt just as close and loving as when I had breastfed my DCs. I was so glad that DiL was happy to delegate it

Petallus We're not talking exclusively about adult women, though, are we? Doesn't the UK still have the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Europe?

I am all for helping expectant mothers in making an informed choice regarding feeding methods but once they have been informed, the choice is up to them.

No one should be emotionally or financially bribed with, there is only one way.

This money could be put to so much better use in our ailing NHS.

People are adult at age 18 janea.

Certainly, younger teenagers might need support and hopefully this would come from families or the social services.

Not sure where coercion to breastfeed comes into it.

Petallus I don't agree with coercion either, and like others think that the money would be better spent supporting mothers of all ages through better midwifery and health visitor advice.

There is a lot of coercion not to breastfeed in some families.
18 year-olds may be legally adults, but I wonder how many 18 year-olds' pregnancies are actually planned and how many 18 year-olds are mature enough to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, childbirth and suddenly being responsible for another human being, that women twice their age find difficult enough.

I'm for supporting them, not bribing them.