watersprite

I think my *original* post (to which *you* replied) did stick to the point. I didn't mention anything about a *ban* on artificial milks, just a ban on advertising as many of the claims made have been false and often break the international codes drawn up that govern advertising on formula milks and the industry often takes unfair advantages of loopholes in the law etc. I asked the question because it took 5 days for my own milk to come in (which isn't unusual) and I just wondered exactly what the problem was, that was all. It isn't an unreasonable question to ask because a baby has the ability to get more out, so to speak and the ability is lost later in life. It certainly wasn't intended as a judgment on those who buy formula milks. I'd like to think that my comments were aimed at the industry, not mothers.

Without sounding daft, if you'd got a little one in your arms, why had you got a breast pump? I've never been able to get a drop out with a breast pump, but that doesn't mean you have to formula feed.

The problem with the advertising of artificial milks is that a lot of the advertising is blatently wrong and misleading...claims that it is closer to breastmilk, for instance, are illegal, because it just isn't true. Yes, people can choose to formula feed, but people need objective information about the risks of formula feeding. And also good accurate advice about formula feeding for mothers who choose/need to do so. ie, no, you're not meant to prop feed, yes, you are meant to make up each bottle as needed etc. There's always going to be a need for artificial milks, for various reasons, some women can't produce enough milk - so why the need for advertising? Formula milk companies are always being blasted for their illegal activities in the developing world...and while formula milk doesn't pose the same risks in this country, unfortunately a lot of women believe false claims that are made about infant formula, and while that is the case, then there is a definite need for professional objective information - and that doesn't come from advertising.

I thought mat leave had now been raised to 9 months -so I don't understand why a 3 months old baby needs to be left. 3 months is really really young. Childminders - some are really really good and worth their weight in gold, and others are complete horror stories. I think it's best to go with someone that you know.

We live in one of the areas shown on the television and last year my baby got coins thrown at her and a small gang of idiots shouting 'pick that up jew' at us.... These weren't muslims, just asbo kids dressed like vicky pollard. We didn't report the incident as we're not jewish (although we've been advised to report such incindents in the future). What makes me sick is that anti-semitism is an acceptable form of racism. Although most people in north Manchester would be muslim, the problems we've had (and they've been quite minor compared to a lot of people we know) have come from white youths.

Not wishing to slag off anyone - these events are just too tragic. However, I'd just like to make the point that if my child were abducted in those circumstances, her name would be prefixed by 'home alone' and somewhere not far away would lie the words 'single' and 'parent'.

Mastitis needs antibiotics - i think for somewhere in the region of 10- 14 days ( i can't remember but it was on the course we did). Make sure you get the right sort/amount otherwise it can recur. So sorry for you, i've never had it but I've heard it can be really really painful.

My child had *nothing* until day 5 which was when my milk came in - I was stuck in hospital for days - the midwives were great and very encouraging, but there was just no colostrum there..not a drop of anything!..... I remember the infant feeding co-ordinator saying to me not to worry, once my milk came in she would learn (child also could not suck, and had initial difficulties latching on, I thought I'd given birth to a circus freak). It meant that I was in hospital for 6 days instead of a few hours, but following their advice I was great. My child also had a tongue tie and this does make things much harder. I often think that as a society we have little or no knowledge of breastfeeding, so when problems occur (often midwives only point out the benefits of breastfeeding to pregnant women at antenatal classes and that's it!) because it's an area that's largely unknown it's easy to lose confidence and feel guilty - and it's very easy to feel guilty when the only knowledge you are given is that it's best and you're shown a few videos of babies who seem to manage to do it instinctively. Of course, not everyone can breastfeed - that's why formula milk is there and I also made sure I had good information about formula feeding as I really was at the end of my tether in hospital for so long and feeling so low. The one thing that put me off was that when I asked how to make up the formula, they started to talk at me in metric - if they'd have said 'it's a scoop per ounce!' I'm sure I'd have gone for the bottles at that point. However, I think that once you're out of hospital the pressure to feed formula is much greater. Most mothers don't breastfeed and it can seem very odd when you're the only mum who does, and if your baby ever dares to cry, people will instinctively jump on you and say that you're not producing enough milk etc etc. I just think it's important to ask for professional advice and support rather than pay too much attention of people's opinions. Hope this helps

My child was born bald and at 2 still doesn't have very much hair. I've always over compensated for this by buying the pinkist frilliest dresses in the world, but ppl still speak to her and refer to her as a boy! I don't usually comment, but if someone usually mentions the pink, I just add that I'm bringing him up gay...

Oooops - mine wasn't planned at all. I'd planned to have children in my 20s (considered the *right* time) when I had a house/partner/stuff etc, but I was referred to an infertility clinic and never found out what was wrong, other than the problem was with me (in those days, you had to pay...) When I was 36 I found myself very unexpectedly pregnant, with someone I hadn't been seeing for very long (the relationship subsequently ended), and at a time when I was quite ill - couldn't think of a worse time!!! No money, in the middle of house renovations, single again etc..., but I have to say it was the best thing that ever happened to me!

It's like weight watchers but a pound cheaper.....

As far as I understand it, you're right about asylum seekers not being allowed to access social housing - they're in privately rented accomodation that is registered with the home office (and landlords charge an absolute fortune for some real holes). But if their application for asylum is accepted then they need to be rehoused asap - in cheaper (and usually better) housing. One reason for this is that it costs the country an absolute fortune to keep them in the shabby accommodation they are in. However, the point remains that *all* people need access to decent housing, and I don't think it helps the problems surrounding immigration if local people are not given the same priority for homes, and are given homes that are not modernised to the same standard. I think it just causes resentment towards them. With regard to economic migrants, I've recently found out that my 2 year old can not get a place in our local high school because of the recent influx of eastern european immigrants (mostly Poles) and I'm absolutely *furious* about this. I understand that these people have the right to come and live and work here, but when it means my child can't get a place at our local school then I think I'm right to be upset about it. Of course, it isn't the fault of the Poles, but I think as a country, if we invite ppl to live and work here then we have to make sure that we have the community resources such as education, housing and health provision are available, otherwise it doesn't take a genius to figure out that it's going to cause resentment.

I'm from Manchester, but wanting to move to Sheffield for a fresh start - but have got a few things to do here before I am free to physically move...

I remember that tiredness and fatigue was the *only* pregnancy symptom I had when I was having Susannah....I think I slept for the entire 9 months except the last 10 days when i sanded the floorboards and painted the front room had a couple of days rest and then went into labour....

Doesn't anyone remember the Pixies?!?