Hospital halts free milk for babies

A HOSPITAL has defended its decision to stop supplying free formula milk for babies.

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust said its actions were in line with UNICEF policies. In Hull just 58 per cent of women breastfeed their babies compared with the national average of 74 per cent.

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Under the new policy, coming in next Monday, mothers who want to bottle-feed will be allowed one bottle after giving birth. After that they will be expected to have brought their own supply or get a relative to buy some from a shop.

The trust said it would only provide formula milk if there was a risk to the baby’s health.

Chief nurse Mike Wright said they would be providing improved advice for mothers choosing to bottlefeed to reduce the risk of babies gaining too much weight too quickly and putting them at risk of childhood obesity. He said: “In line with UNICEF and the Baby Friendly policies, although we will no longer be providing free formula milk for babies, we will be increasing the amount of information available to mums to enable them to make the best decision for them.”

Yorkshire trusts which do not supply free milk include Dewsbury, Bradford and Barnsley.