NCT Watch

This week the House of Lords debated government regulations designed to implement an EU directive on the labeling and marketing of formula milks. The current regulations introduce stricter controls on the on the advertising of infant formula milk by restricting formula companies’ ability to promote infant formula under the guise of follow-on formula and prohibiting adverts which make a direct comparison between formula milk and breastmilk. Crossbencher, Baroness Finlay, who led the debate initially called for the regulations to be annulled stating that the proposed regulations did not go far enough to promote breastfeeding to new mothers. She stated that formula should be a fallback option only and called for clear advice on how to safely prepare it.  However, she went on to say that Mothers who cannot breastfeed should not feel stigmatized and women who need to use formula should know how to use it safely. The Conservative Shadow Home Office Minister, Baroness Hanham claimed the implementation of the regulations  had been unnecessarily rushed, not giving manufacturers enough time to change labels.  She questioned why the Government had not waited like other countries. 

The Government Whip said that the Government’s central ambition was to protect and promote breastfeeding and that the government had a duty to protect babies who are bottle-fed with a priority on clear labeling. She went on to say that the government would consider further action if it became clear that there was a need for further legislation to restrict formula milk advertising.

The NCT believe that all parents need reliable information on all the different methods of baby feeding - this information should be clear, accurate and based on research evidence, so that parents have the opportunity to make informed decisions. However some formula milk manufacturers are still illegally advertising formula milk for babies under six months by taking advantage of loopholes in the law. To end this practice, we are calling for a complete advertising ban to close these legal loopholes and protect children and their parents.  Visit www.nct.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/campaigning/formula-advertising to find out more about the NCT’s campaign for a full and effective ban on formula milk advertising.

This week Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the infant mortality rates for children living in areas of social deprivation.  Mr Robsinson responded by revealing figures which show that whilst infant death rates are only 3.7/1000 in the least deprived decile of society, they are 6.4/1000 in the most deprived decile of society. These figures show a direct correlation between infant mortality and poverty. The NCT is a member of the campaign to End Child Poverty. To find out more about the NCT’s support for the campaign to End Child Poverty visit www.nct.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/campaigning/parenthood.

In response to a written question, Brian Gibbons, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government has confirmed hat 28 per cent of children living in Wales are living in poverty.  This compares to 29 per cent in England, 25 per cent in Scotland and 27 per cent in Northern Ireland.  The UK government has pledged to eradicate child poverty by 2020.  To find out more about the NCT’s support for the campaign to End Child Poverty visit www.nct.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/campaigning/parenthood.

Following January’s announcement that maternity services in England are to receive £330 million in extra funding over the next three years, Ann Keen Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health has stated that Trusts will have access to this money in April. The extra funding was announced in response to the Healthcare Commission review of maternity services which found a startling North South divide in the quality of maternity services provision with 70 per cent of London Trusts being rated “least well performing”.

Ofsted have published a report examining the impact of Sure Start children’s centres and extended schools on children and young people from birth to 19 and their families.  Schools reported positive effects in children joining them from children’s centres and individuals could be seen to have benefited from provision but it appears that uncertainties about long-term funding affected planning for, and the sustainability of, many children’s centres.

Only a small minority of schools and children’s centres were gathering evidence to evaluate outcomes and local authorities are not supporting them sufficiently in this.

In addition, the report states that both types of provider need to be more active in reaching out to groups, including fathers and some minority ethnic groups, who are less likely to access the services available. A fully copy of the report is available to download from http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/070021.

Last week, the Department of Health announced £150,000 of extra funding for a National Breastfeeding Helpline in order to provide breastfeeding mothers with reassurance, support and practical help in a bid to help them breastfeed for longer and tackle rising levels of childhood obesity. The Helpline is intended to promote breastfeeding to mothers, an aim which was announced with the publication of “Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives”, the government’s strategy for tackling obesity in January. The Minister for Public Health, Dawn Primarolo also announced £240,000 in support of National Breastfeeding Awareness, which she identified as a key activity in the promotion of breastfeeding.

The Department of Health is providing resources to support National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, including pens, key rings, lanyards, diary covers, post it notes and fridge magnets, will be available from late March free of charge by NCT branches.  For more information on how to access these resources, or to find out how you can get involved in Breastfeeding Awareness Week contact the NCT’s Campaigns Support Officer on 0208 752 2332.