BPAS Report Calls for Bold Measures to Tackle Surge in Formula Costs

13 December 2023

• A new report released by reproductive choice charity British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) reveals the devastating impact the rising cost of formula milk is having on women and families.
• The report surveys over 1000 women, with 65% saying they feel anxious or worried by the cost of formula – which has risen by 25% over the last two years. The same number of women (65%) reported a negative impact on family finances as a result of the cost.
• A third of women surveyed felt it was “better” for babies to be fed the more expensive milk, despite there being no proven nutritional benefits in doing so.
• The report comes following recent findings from the Consumer and Markets Authority that exposed the dire lack of non-brand alternatives for parents, with branded suppliers increasing their prices by more than their input costs and maintaining high profit margins – at the expense of women and families.
• With 99% of babies being fed formula milk, either entirely or partially, in the first six months of life – now is the time to develop a truly woman-centred infant feeding policy.

 

The report, Finances are a struggle and I feel like a failure - The costs of infant feeding choices today, highlights the need for urgent and bold measures to curb the cost of formula as more and more households are forced to make tough choices in order to be able to feed their babies.

 

Cutting back on food for the rest of the household, introducing cheaper cow’s milk into their baby’s diet prematurely, and harming their own physical and mental wellbeing by trying to breastfeed more when finding it intensely painful – were all experiences amongst women surveyed.

 

The survey shows overwhelming support (83%) for immediate interim measures to help with the costs, such as allowing parents to collect and use supermarket loyalty points and vouchers when purchasing formula milk - which guidance aimed at preventing marketing of formula currently prevents.

 

But bolder, longer-term solutions are needed in order to make a real difference for women and families. A free or subsidised national infant milk, price caps, and a renewed woman-centred infant feeding policy are just some of the recommendations included in the report that will go a long way to a fairer and more equitable approach to infant feeding.

 

Clare Murphy, Chief Executive of BPAS, said:

“Our report clearly shows the toll the current cost of formula is having on women and their families. For some women this was also compounded by a sense of guilt and shame around not breastfeeding. This must change. Supporting breastfeeding does not need to come at the, quite literal, expense of failing to tackle the issues of access to an affordable, consistent supply of formula milk, and we need some bold initiatives to achieve this. Infant feeding, whether by breast or bottle, is both a child health issue and a matter of reproductive choice. We must get this right.”

 

 

Dr Erin Williams, Co-Founder & Director at Feed, said:

 

“This report clearly evidences the turmoil faced by formula feeding families in the UK today. Formula price inflation is harming families and infants, and over-interpretation of UK law mean families are being disadvantaged compared to those in other European countries. Feed fully backs the recommendations in the report and, yet again, we call on the Government to take urgent action to increase the financial support available to families, tackle high formula prices and clarify the law. Sadly, there is still much to be done to ensure no child goes without adequate nutrition in the UK, and until the Government steps in it is left to the third sector to do what we can. This must change now, for every baby’s sake.”

 

Justine Roberts, CEO at Mumsnet, said:

 

"At Mumsnet, we hear frequently from parents who are struggling with the soaring cost of formula milk, and we know that many mums assume more expensive brands are better for their babies - despite their nutritional composition being strictly controlled.  The current rules around marketing of formula - however well intentioned - mean that parents don't have all the information or assistance they need.

 

It's clear that alongside immediate practical measures to support parents who are struggling financially with formula, we need better infant feeding support across the board for new mums. This report is an important contribution to improving that support.”

 

ENDS

 

For further information, please contact Georgina O’Reilly, BPAS Associate Director of Campaigns and Communications (maternity cover), on georgina.oreilly@bpas.org or 07384 891886.

 

Note to editors:

 

Read the full report here

 

Selection of comments from the report:

“It made me ashamed that I didn't have enough milk.”

“It put extra strain on the weekly shop so I've tried breastfeeding more but find it extremely painful so dread having to do it which has a negative impact on my mental health.”

 

“I do not qualify for healthy start vouchers even though I’m on a low wage so formula milk is an added expense every week.”

 

“We had to go to cow’s milk earlier as couldn't afford formula prices.”

 

“Formula feeding has been essential for my baby and our family, however it has had a large negative financial impact. We are very wary given the current financial hardships to try and reduce where possibly, however formula is something that we cannot reduce.”

 

“It is expensive but has allowed me to look after both my toddler and baby by myself”

 

“It has taken the load off me as a mother to feed my baby just me. It has greatly benefited my mental and emotional health being able to share the feeds with my partner.”