There is something almost every mother of a baby can do to save money, reduce packaging and waste, reduce food miles, and give your baby the best possible start in life.
Why don’t women breastfeed? There are lots of reasons, one of which may be related to women being in the workforce and needing to return to work. Breastfeeding is not always supported in workplaces, though this is starting to change.
Sadly, some people see breastfeeding in public places as offensive, but this is also starting to change as more mothers are seen breastfeeding outside their homes.
Young mums can be a bit hesitant to breastfeed while out and about, and may instead take a bottle when out in public, while breastfeeding at home.
There are plenty of spaces available for breastfeeding or expressing milk to enable mothers to feed their babies or express milk for later feeding while they are at work.
There are feeding rooms in the Meridian and Wall Street malls, the University of Otago has one and the new South Dunedin public library is going to have one, too. Also, the Dunedin Public Hospital, Wakari Hospital and the university have creches and childcare centres where mums can pop in to feed their babies or express milk during the working day.
Breastfeeding in public is a right enshrined in law, so if you are breastfeeding in public and are made to feel uncomfortable by negative reactions, you could take the issue to the Human Rights Commission.
Finding a place to breastfeed or express milk at work can be difficult too, being asked to sit in the toilets is not acceptable, and so it is reasonable to ask your employer to find you a better space for this purpose. Mothers can find it a bit intimidating discussing this with their employer, in case it jeopardises their employment, but it is your right, and most employers will be happy to help.
If you run into problems, you may be able to get help from one of the breastfeeding advocate groups.
Despite there being an international code to prevent the marketing of formula to mothers of young children, it is easy to get around. Algorithms online pick up that a woman is pregnant and next thing they are getting a marketing campaign preying on fears that the mother may not produce enough breast milk for her baby.
In reality, once breastfeeding is established, it can be so much easier. At night, when your baby cries for a feed, simply fetch the baby, let it latch on and feed, then it’s back to bed.
You don’t have to get up, find a sterilised bottle, mix formula correctly, get the correct temperature ... this is much more difficult and there are risks of infections if bottles have not been adequately sterilised.
There are breastfeeding peer supporters and counsellors with special training to help with feeding. The Breast Room, in St Clair, and La Leche League are just two examples of organisations able to help.
Breastfeeding is the biologically normal way to feed a baby, and some women report it to be a pleasurable activity. However, there has been a whole generation or so of bottle feeders, so there is a lost generation of skills and advice. If your mum or your partner’s mum are unable to show you how to do it, you need some support. Fortunately, it is there.
Your body is designed to produce the perfect food for your baby’s needs, without involving any huge companies, the dairy industry (and its associated ecological impacts) and there is no packaging to deal with.
Breastfeeding is great for your planet, your shopping budget and, of course, your baby.
• Hilary Rowley is a frugal, foraging foodie from Waitati. Each week in this column writers address issues of sustainability.
