Paid to Breastfeed: would it have encouraged you to do it?

Former_MSE_Andrea

Sheffield University is conducting research by offering new mums up to £200 to breastfeed their child.

Financial incentive for breastfeeding mothers

As breastfeeding's already a MoneySaver compared to buying formula would payment have encouraged you more?

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SmlSave

I do/have breastfed - I would have carried on whether the money was offered or not

I think this is terrible. Most Mum's who want to breastfeed often find they give up because they don't have the support they need. Surely it would be better to put this money towards support agencies and teaching?

Gillybean12

This is awful, not everyone can or wants to breast feed so this going to put unnecessary pressure on new mums and I think it's disgusting

Lara44

I don't/haven't breastfed - no I wouldn't have done it

So sad the answer to everything is money these days. What kind of world do we live in!

indsty

I do/have breastfed - I would have carried on whether the money was offered or not

How sad - mothers should want to do the best for their child because they love then, not because they get money for it. I know some people disagree but I do get cross when mothers say they love their babies and would die for them - but they won't give them the very best start in life. I am also aware many mothers struggle to manage the breastfeeding thing and would not want to put added pressure on them at this very special time - it can sometimes be better to bottle feed.

Gigglepig

Personally I would do anything to breastfeed regardless, as it is clinically proven to be better for the baby.

The money might be an incentive for the women who for some reason won't take on board the clinical evidence? The odd person here and there can't breastfeed on medical grounds but keep in mind the uk has very low breastfeeding rates compared to other countries - women who formula feed are more likely to do so for cultural/their own personal views rather than medical reasons.

Eta - vouchers could also be a "well done" pat on the back. breastfeeding is hard work, perhaps it would be nice to get a small reward when reaching milestones.

dizziblonde

How many posts before this descends into inevitability? Already we've got the "mustn't love your kid enough" one being thrown out.

Nope - no amount of vouchers would have sorted the system's failures leading to our situation.

shop-to-drop

I do/have breastfed - I would have carried on whether the money was offered or not

I would have thought there was already a financial incentive to breastfeed since formula milk is quite a big expense. I know there are vouchers which cover the cost for the 'poor' but I believe these are giving to all regardless of how they feed baby and can be used in the supermarkets towards their normal shopping.

Since the majority are choosing to bottle feed then financial incentives are not working, this will not work and will be abused money could be so much better spent.

MoneySavingMamma

I do/have breastfed - I would have carried on whether the money was offered or not

I think every mother should try to breast feed, even if they only last a day or 2 they tried!
I lasted approx 10wks each time, I hope to go longer this time, but if I can't I can't.
So many of my 'young mum' (under 25) friends didn't even bother trying, and I do think they should be ashamed of that.

A financial incentive is mostly a silly idea, and is spending in the wrong area, I agree support & advice in the hospital, before going home would be better, not from a busy midwife, who has 1000 other things to get done that hour, but a specific breastfeeding nurse?

On the other hand, it could get a mum through just one more rough night of feeding, because tomorrow is another pay out, and then the next week, or even more goes smoothly? Just more goodness for baby!

It does seem to be VERY open to abuse!

peachyprice

MoneySavingMamma wrote: »

So many of my 'young mum' (under 25) friends didn't even bother trying, and I do think they should be ashamed of that.

Frankly I think you should be ashamed of being judgemental, but hey ho.

chanie

I do/have breastfed - I would have carried on whether the money was offered or not

My first baby was formula fed and my second was breastfed (with formula top ups), so I have no opinion either way, other than you do what you have to do.

I wouldn't refuse the money if it was given to me, but £200 isn't going to impact on such a big decision.