Breast is best for Charlotte

Posted by Jane Murphy

We've barely heard a peep out of Charlotte Church since she gave birth to daughter Ruby last year. But the Welsh warbler made a rare public appearance yesterday - at the launch of a campaign to persuade more young mums to breastfeed.

"Your boobs are kind of stuck to you, so you're going to have food ready for your child," Charlotte insists. "It's cheaper, it's clean, it's the right temperature and everybody knows mother's milk is best. I think people don't like the look of it, so to speak. People are more selfish these days and keep their bodies to themselves."

And do you practise what you preach, Charl? "I mostly breastfeed at home, but if she really wanted feeding when we were out I've done it in Boots and a couple of times in restaurants. Nobody told me not to because I wouldn't have been that happy with those people. It's our right."

Do you agree with Charlotte - or does society put too much pressure on new mums? Tell us what you think.

Picture: PA

SEE ALSO:
Should Suri come off the bottle? >>
Pregnant celebrities: who's having a baby? >>
They're getting married! Charlotte, Gavin & more >>

Comments

[Katty Bell]

If you are lucky enough to be in a position to breast feed then give it a go!
It's not for everyone and I think that bottle feeding became popular when a lot of women began going back to work earlier. It's a hard enough job coping with a new baby as it is, but the choice of bottle or breast should be just that, CHOICE. Mothers should'nt be made to feel inadequate whichever route they choose. I do think more support is needed, though for those who decide to breast feed, it might be natural, but those first few weeks are a learning curve... it's not as easy as it's made out and I think a lot of mums are'nt always aware that breast feeding can be difficult at first, I almost gave up, but I perservered...
I breast-fed both my girls and apart from a couple of frustrating weeks and some tears early on, once breast-feeding was established it was great, free and convenient! I've fed in public and half the time no-one even noticed, with a little practice nothing has to be on show!
My eldest weaned herself off at around 12 months and I had to decide "enough" after 14 months with my second as she would have gone on for ever if I'd have let her!

[liz]

i had my first and only child at 17 she is now 9 and at the time i found it vey difficult to find some where private or exseptable[where people are not offended]this caused a great strain on my motheing and two hour feeding routine and i vertually became a recluse so i could feed my babe where we were both comfortable in the end i had to give it up i couldnt take the dirty foul smelling toliets with a chair in the corner any longer or the constant disapproving tuts in resteraunts or parks or where ever it was nessersary with a screaming hungy child to feed i held my dignity and never showed a boob but still how can we push this when so many are against it and prepher all these gadjets and powdered milk on the market it should be back to basics im with you charlotte but you have a fight on your hands.x

[Valerie]

I have four boys 13,10,4 & 7 months, my 1st son i only fed for 6 weeks i was 21 very worried about getting comments, 2nd child for 7 months but would only feed at home again. Then my 3rd was born with a bilateral cleft lip, thats when my instincts really kicked in at i thougt forget comments my baby comes first (as he was unabble to feed with a bottle) i fed him for 11 months when he was able to use a cup easily. Child 4 well as long as i like i will continue i enjoy it and as i have a busy life work home kids etc etc i find it suits me, sometimes when you are put in a situation you realise that what you thought to be hard work was actually easier, I think the general public does need to have a better attitude towards breastfeeding though as comments and looks do upset some people, however i do not have comments anymore as i come across confident and smile at them before they get chance, after all it is natural and much less hassle.

[Bee]

I have five children and i breast fed every single one of them... mothers milk is natural and is after all intended for your baby....i understand not every mother is abled to breast feed, but if you can you should. Breast feeding in public places used to nerve me especially because people would look, but i think if you try to cover up what your doing.. they will look even more... if you act like its normal and it does not bother you... they lose interest after the initial curiosity.
Charlotte is not saying your a bad mother if you dont breast feed...she is simply saying that it is healthier for the baby,does cost anything..on tap so to speak... and helps mum lose weight.... the best diet i have ever been on :o)

[louise lloyd]

In the age of huge vanity, women are forgetting the real purpose of breasts.In our society, it appears that anything that could 'spoil' a body,i.e breastfeeding, means natures natural means of survival and love and bonding takes second place.
I know how healthy my 3 girls are, having been breast fed for a year +. They are warm, loving, confident women now and apart from the usual childhood illnesses, chicken pox etc they have been extraordinarily healthy.I feel sure that the true scientific facts about the way breast milk works on the baby, other than nourishment, would show women vanity is not maternal, indeed it is selfish.
Baby at the breast is one of the most rich and luxurious things a woman can do. It is an honour. Congratulations to women that do breast feed!

[simone]

everyone can try to breast feed their babies it takes practice to get it right! i breast fed both my boys and its the best thing as instead of sterising bottles...making the bottles...cleaning....all over again! and your baby is screaming at you just do it instantly! people nowwa days think its disgusting to breast feed in public...WELL ITS NOT! its the same as a bottle i find babies that are bottle fed are grumpier. its up to mum at the end of the day but i would love to urge all mothers to at least rty it and you never know you may well enjoy it...i did very much. i was 25 with my first and 27 with my second baby so we can do it!

[katie]

i have 2 sons one is 13 and one is 6 i bottle fed both boys and both are really healthy hardly ill the odd cold but nothing much and very bright. i myself was breast fed and i have asthma allergies and really bad skin problems. i never felt pushed into breast feeding and it was my personal choice not to feed my two sons from the breast. i dont feel guilty about not breast feeding and i have got a very close bond with both children.

[Polly]

There are very few women who can't breastfeed. Often many give up because of the lack of support in the first few weeks.It can be continued even after returning to work (by expressing), it's best for mum and baby, also cheaper and children tend to have less illnesses and allergies. Cows milk is designed for cows not new born babies. We seem to have forgotten the main reason we have breasts!

[Em]

I believe in choice. I breastfed my daughter for 6 weeks, she's now 4 and loves life. I couldn't breastfeed my son, now 1, and it makes me angry that although breastfeeding is natural, it shouldn't be forced. Bottle feeding has done my son no harm, and new mothers should be supported with any decision they make. Hurrah for mums who can breastfeed, but don't make the mums that can't feel like they've done wrong!

[emily]

I think both bottle and breast feeding have advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to each women to make the choice as to what is best for them personaly.

However I think that women are often bullied into making certain choice or made to feel guilty for what they have decided to do.

If a women bottle feeds she is seen as selfish, unnatural or lacking as a mother. If a women chooses to breatfeed she is seen as weird, a hippy or disgusting to look out.

I just wish people as a whole could respect the choices of the indervidual more.

[melanie hughes]

Good on charlotte, i breastfed my daughter it was the most amazing feeling and it also helps you to bond with your child as it is something that only you two can share. I have also had to feed in shops, back of car etc you do overcome the embaressment. I never thought that i could do it but i did and the sense of achievment is a real buzz

[sally stephens]

Great that charlotte church is promoting breast feeding i breastfed my daughter for 12 months shes 10 know and thriving

[audrey]

Good for Charlotte. Breast is best for Mum and baby - for always - discovery of new health advantages crops up in the press almosr weekly.
As for pressures, use breastfeeding to escape them - your milk is available tailored to your baby's needs just when it is wanted by your baby. No hassle. It is a good reason to relax and put your feet up - as nature intended. And better for your baby than "processed" food which we all try to avoid.
It takes effort to start off with but is worth persevering - NHS please note - Mums need more advice and personal support before and after the birth to make it work, for everyone's benefit. Go for it - you won't regret it.

[audrey]

Good for Charlotte. Breast is best for Mum and baby - for always - discovery of new health advantages crops up in the press almosr weekly.
As for pressures, use breastfeeding to escape them - your milk is available tailored to your baby's needs just when it is wanted by your baby. No hassle. It is a good reason to relax and put your feet up - as nature intended. And better for your baby than "processed" food which we all try to avoid.
It takes effort to start off with but is worth persevering - NHS please note - Mums need more advice and personal support before and after the birth to make it work, for everyone's benefit. Go for it - you won't regret it.

[audrey]

Good for Charlotte. Breast is best for Mum and baby - for always - discovery of new health advantages crops up in the press almosr weekly.
As for pressures, use breastfeeding to escape them - your milk is available tailored to your baby's needs just when it is wanted by your baby. No hassle. It is a good reason to relax and put your feet up - as nature intended. And better for your baby than "processed" food which we all try to avoid.
It takes effort to start off with but is worth persevering - NHS please note - Mums need more advice and personal support before and after the birth to make it work, for everyone's benefit. Go for it - you won't regret it.

[Sezy]

I've breastfed both my children the first for 16 months, and the second i'm still beastfeeding she was 2yrs this month, charlotte is right, about the selfishness angle. I've heard mothers say they don't want saggier breasts, what they fail to realise is that with breast feeding upto 500 extra calories are burnt off and during the first couple off months the feeding actually helps get other parts of your body back to normal. there is definately a lack of education and support. I often think the best support should not come from health visitors but other mothers who can share their tales of early trails and tribulations. the early stages in some cases can often be difficult and painful, which in my experience is when many mothers give up but rest assured if you can persist the rewards are worth it. If you do experience sore breasts in the early stages i highly recommend LANOSIN, from you local chemist, if still in hospital ask for a sample they should have some. it really does work. GOOD LUCK TO ALL YOU NEW MUMS.

[Polly]

I'm very pleased Charlotte is promoting breastfeeding. It is best for babies and helps women regain their figures. It can be difficult at first but you need to persevere past the first couple of weeks and it gets easier. Nature knows best.

[emma]

sure mums should breast feed is natural!!!
duh