BRIT mums are being told baby formula is as bad as smoking cigarettes.
It emerged as one young mother was refused a Tesco parking space after buying food for her infant son – who she is unable to breastfeed because of problems with his health.
GETTY IMAGES
GETTY IMAGES
GETTY IMAGES
Laura Leeks claimed shop staff at Braintree, Essex, compared parents who used baby formula to cigarette smokers.
Stunned Laura said she was told she could not have a parking permit because the company “supports breastfeeding ” and cannot “endorse formula feeding by rewarding customers”.
She claimed the customer services team at the store also told her Tesco “do not endorse smoking” and do not give parking vouchers to those who buy tobacco.
The Department of Health is pro-breast feeding and a 2007 law states that shops are not allowed to promote formula for babies under six months.
This is being seen as a kick in the teeth for mums who are unable to breastfeed.
In a post on Tesco’s Facebook page following the incident on November 4, Laura wrote: “I am delighted that you as a company support breast feeding. However I cannot accept that your policies lead to your staff shaming women who for whatever reason are using baby formula.
I also cannot accept the comparison of formula feeding with the harmful effects of smoking.”
She said she had to resort to bottle-feeding after her son had life-saving open heart surgery when he was four weeks old.
Laura added: “My superhero baby is now nearly five months old and fighting fit. I remain sad that I could not solely breast feed him. However I am reassured that due to the nutritious formula he is happy, healthy and growing well.
“I do not however need to be guilt-tripped by a Tesco employee who has absolutely no knowledge of my circumstances.
“I hope you are able to give your staff the training they clearly require in order to treat women in this situation with more compassion in the future.”
SWNS:SOUTH WEST NEWS SERVICE
SWNS:SOUTH WEST NEWS SERVICE
GETTY IMAGES
A spokesman for Tesco said customers were allowed to park for up to two hours at the store as long as they spent £5 or more.
But the baby food Laura bought could not count towards this because of the law banning its promotion.
The baby formula cannot even qualify for points on Tesco Clubcards or other store loyalty cards.
The spokesman added: “We always strive to provide the best possible service for our customers and we understand Ms Leek’s request. However, due to UK law we cannot promote baby formula in any way, including the offering of a parking voucher.”
Breastfeeding is a flashpoint issue for parents in the UK with strong feelings on both sides.
Earlier this week The Only Way is Essex star Sam Faiers was praised for breastfeeding her baby Paul live on This Morning.
Breastfeeding is said to have innate health benefits including reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, with some suggesting it saves the NHS up to £40 million a year.
Some mum’s , such as LucyAitkenRead, even nurse their children until an older ageswearing by the health benefits.
But while many agree boob is best, many women are unable to breastfeed or have children who cannot be nursed for many reasons, with some mums feeling they are let down by the Government’s advice.
Post a Comment