Feed

04/08/2026

It's but they appear to have forgotten something.... women! Centering infant feeding on economics and not reproductive rights does a disservice to women. Find out more below!

This World Breastfeeding Week , the WHO and UNICEF are calling on governments to “invest in breastfeeding”. Better support for women during pregnancy and after birth, improved training for health professionals and stronger community services can’t be argued with. But calling for investment on ...

24/06/2026

There are some devastating findings in today's review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. We are saddened but not surprised to read that women's concerns about poor feeding were often not addressed, with direct consequences for the wellbeing of their babies.

The review found women commonly reported coercive or rough handling during breastfeeding support, alongside inconsistent advice, while others felt pressured or judged when breastfeeding was difficult or not established. Crucially the review also identified that infant feeding guidance used at the trust which reflects principles of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) may be putting some babies at serious risk of harm. This is a nationwide issue and it must be tackled urgently.

Many of the accounts detailed in the review are directly reflected in our own report Set Up To Fail, which documents women's experiences of infant feeding in the UK today. We need a new approach to infant feeding based on principles of informed choice, consent and patient safety, and an immediate suspension of further BFI accreditations while we ensure that all women and their babies care and support based on their individual needs - not ideology.

Infant feeding cannot be viewed separately to the wider issues of poor maternity care, it is part and parcel of the same problem and families will not thrive until it is fixed.

https://www.feeduk.org/setuptofail

Set Up to Fail: Infant feeding, informed choice, and the case for policy change. “There is no doubt in my mind that we were set up to fail. We were told to breastfeed - made to think this was the only thing an educated person would do, but when it came to help with breastfeeding, they ...

06/06/2026

📊 Breastfeeding rates at six months have risen from 26% to 58% in less than a generation.

That’s a huge change and one worth celebrating.

But before we get too excited, we think it’s worth asking a few questions…

Has support really improved? Who is actually benefiting within the context of changing demographics, inconsistent advice and funding cuts to infant feeding services?

“Progress” feels limited when we measure it by one metric; whether or not an infant was breastfed. With this approach, success can and does coexist with persistent gaps. We believe those gaps matter.

So, this Infant Feeding Day, we’re digging beneath the headline and making the case for celebrating mums, not methods.

Read our latest blog 👇

https://www.feeduk.org/blog/https/wwwfeedukorg/blog-page-url/new-post-title-5

Here at , we love a good news story – so this Infant Feeding Day 2026 we are giving snaps for , recognising the women who are informed, intentional and quietly doing things their own way.  This week, the UK Government released their long awaiting findings from their

04/06/2026

This survey shows it's time for a new approach to infant feeding which reflects the realities of women's experiences and supports their choices.

More than half of women and their families are using infant formula to some degree by the time their baby is six weeks old - yet the current focus on exclusive breastfeeding has resulted in restrictions on the way in which healthcare professionals can talk about all feeding options in the ante and postnatal period.

This means women are often denied the right to informed choice so they can make decisions that are best for them and their families, and safely feed their babies.

The survey shows concerns about milk supply is one of the key reasons women stop breastfeeding (44 percent), and we critically need research in this area to understand why this may happen and how it can be helped, rather than telling women this is rare - when women themselves tell us otherwise.

At Feed we will continue to advocate for policy which puts women at the centre, reflects their experiences and serves their needs.

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17/04/2026

In 2025 we advanced our award-winning Formula for Change campaign, visiting Downing Street with our public petition. Our campaign asks were recommended by the CMA and adopted by the DHSC, cementing this win into policy.

Our advocacy continued to gain traction through Government consultations, including the Public Accounts Committee and ongoing Maternity Inquiry, and by screening the short film MILK to politicians and policy makers.

15/04/2026

2025 culminated in creating the Six Pillars of Infant Feeding framework, defining a woman-centred policy approach.

This marks the start of an infant feeding revolution, with Feed leading the way through evidence-based practice, advocacy, and amplifying women’s voices.

There is nothing more special to us than that!

13/04/2026

Our Advocate group shaped research, consultations, and public messaging, ensuring outputs are fit for purpose. In 2025 our research programme flourished.

Our most impactful publication, the Set up to Fail report, highlighted the urgent need for fundamental change in UK infant feeding policy.

10/04/2026

2025 also saw growing recognition of our work in women’s health advocacy and amplifying women’s voices.

CEO Clare Murphy’s interview was included in Naga Munchetty’s bestselling book ‘It’s Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women’s Health Crisis’ as was the case study of our Feed Advocate, Louise.

Our Co-Founders were recognised for their contributions to women's and infants' health in Scotland; Director of Research Dr Erin Williams was a finalist for the Scottish Women in Business Champion of Women Award and Director of Public Health Rosie McNee won the Littlejohn Gairdner Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Public Health.

08/04/2026

We are the only infant feeding organisation guided by a public and patient involvement group; our Feed Advocates ensure we continue to put women and families at the heart of infant feeding.

2025 saw the screening of the film MILK, on which we partnered. MILK brought to life the everyday struggles many Mums face, allowing women’s experiences to be amplified in a safe and protective way, without requiring individuals to speak out personally. A short film that has made a big difference, MILK was officially selected for numerous film festivals and won the 225 Film Club Audience Award, highlighting its resonance with the public.

12/03/2026

FEED were at the WFTV Festival in Glasgow last night where the Milk film was screened.

The reception to the film was overwhelming, with the audience praising the beautiful portrayal of such an evocative and important subject. Rosie and Erin were privileged to represent the film on behalf of director Naomi.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and for your support of Milk and Feed!