RCM publishes new position statement on infant feeding

The decision of whether or not to breastfeed is a woman's choice and must be respected, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has confirmed as it publishes a new position statement on infant feeding.

The position statement recommends that balanced and relevant information be given to parents choosing to formula feed their babies, whether exclusively or partially, to enable them to do so safely and with support to encourage good bonding.

In addition, the RCM advises that breastfeeding mothers and their partners should be given information and support to help manage the physical, mental, emotional and societal challenges of breastfeeding.

Also highlighted is the need for maternity units to be appropriately staffed and for sufficient investment to be made in postnatal care to enable each woman to get the support and advice she needs to make informed choices about feeding her baby.

On exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, the RCM confirms this to be most appropriate method of infant feeding and that breastfeeding should continue alongside complementary foods for up to two years, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UK Department of Health recommendations to promote and support breastfeeding.

View the RCM's Position Statement on Infant Feeding here.