I hate follow-on milk.
Not just because it gives formula companies chance to get around the advertising laws.
But also because people infer by the advertising of follow-on milk that you are meant to stop breastfeeding at six months.
Before I learned about breastfeeding, I used to think that. I think lots of people do. The assumption is that you breastfeed for the first six months, and then you have to use follow-on milk, because – well – it’s advertised, isn’t it? And on the packets it says, “the department of health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months”. People don’t understand what that “exclusive” bit means. They think – as did I – it means you must breastfeed for the first six months and then after that do what you like.
And therefore if you’re seen breastfeeding a baby over six months of age… well, that’s a bit odd, isn’t it? Should get him on some of that there follow-on milk.
