Infant formula... Prescription only?

These comments aren't aimed at anyone, just my ideas that I'm throwing out there:

The idea is good, and I can see why people would ensdorse it but in reality it just wouldn't work. Some women don't want to breastfeed, and forcing them too would only make them, and their baby, unhappy.

I also think some babies could end up being weaned a lot earlier than they should be which could be detrimental to their health: a Mum who has to breastfeed (but hates doing so) becasuse she can't get formula on prescription may start weaning earlier than recomemend to save herself having to breastfeed. (??)

I think formula milk on prescription is a terrible idea, it just seems like another way to try and control mothers into doing what others want them to do. Parent's receive plenty of information so they can make an informed choice as to how to feed their baby, it's our job to support them with that choice, not make life even harder than it already is with a newborn

i am completely pro choice just so what i say isn't misinterpreted. i do have an opinion, however, that if something is more readily available you're more readily going to use it. For example, if you were in the middle of no where had a splitting headache but no painkillers, you would have to use any stragedy you could to help yourself deal with the pain. However, if you were at home and there is painkillers in the cupboard you're more likely to use them. I've heard so many women who've said yes i'd like to breastfeed but i'll keep some formula milk in the cuprboard just in case. My response is, obviously we'll support the woman in any way possible however if you were about to go on a diet, you wouldn't go out to buy chocolate and fill your cupboard with it would you?having formula milk readily available can have psychological implications. a mother who didn't have access to formula milk would have to be more mentally strong as she has no other option but to breastfeed her child, obviously i don't want women to be psychologically harmed but i believe their own true opinion can be swayed and this is wrong- does anyone have any opinions to shed on this

Riffraff, I really wouldn't say women get "plenty" of information. I have a sister, SIL an friends who've had children, who really have no idea about the pros of BF, and the cons of AF. They've heard the phrase "breast is best" and "something about IQ", and that's about it.

In Scotland, all women have the same handheld notes nationwide and included in their handheld notes is an "infant feeding checklist". We discuss this at the 35 week appointment. The midwife (or student!) will go over and discuss about breastfeeding. The checklist includes: Benefits to mum, benefits to baby, importance of skin to skin and rooming in, good positioning and what support is available to help with it and the importance of trying not to have any dummies or teats.

This booklet is also included in our booking packs Off To A Good Start which contains lots of useful information for Mum's to have a read at and ask any questions about.

Sorry if any of you knew this already, but I thought it was valid to include for those of you who don't know.

In reply to the original question, I think that having formula on prescription only isn't a good idea at all. Perhaps a suitable alternative is only making it available in chemists? I've no idea really, even just leaving it on sale and banning advertising for it, and getting some good breastfeeding adverts on

xxxx