NEW mothers face "one big guilt trip" because of the pressure to breastfeed their infants for the first six months, according to a Scottish study that suggests current guidance is too idealistic and unhelpful.

Researchers at Aberdeen and Stirling universities charted the experiences of 36 women who gave birth in late 2009 and who planned to breastfeed. They interviewed them, their partners and close family members at the end of the pregnancy and over regular intervals until six months after the birth.

They found many encountered a "mismatch" between the ideal of breastfeeding and the reality, which led mothers to feel "heartbroken" and guilty.

The paper, published in the online journal of the British Medical Jouornal, said: "Well-meaning health professionals, who wish to promote the ideal of exclusive breastfeeding until six months, convey some advice in a black-and-white manner, where the supporting research evidence is less clear-cut.

"Concern about doing infant feeding 'properly' adds to the pressure on unconfident new parents, with some describing it as 'one big guilt trip' and feeling 'heartbroken' when a decision to stop breastfeeding is made."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a baby's first six months, followed by a gradual introduction of solids and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond.

In 2008, a Scottish Government goal to have 50% of women breastfeeding at between six to eight weeks was missed, as was a target of 33% in 2011.

Study participants were recruited through units in NHS Grampian and Forth Valley that were implementing the Baby Friendly Initiative, in line with WHO guidelines.

Fathers in particular expressed frustration about "unrealistic" antenatal services which "make it sound so easy".

The paper also reported that many women felt reluctant to pester busy nurses and midwives in antenatal units because they seemed "rushed off their feet" and it would make them "feel really bad about asking for help", and "feeling a burden rather than a priority".

But having a health professional sit with a new mother to provide one-to-one guidance and reassurance was overwhelmingly desired by the new mothers.

The authors said: "Participants unanimously prioritise the period immediately after, rather than before, the birth for resources to help women breastfeed. Women want someone sitting through feeds to help with breastfeeding who increases their confidence."

They added: "By promoting six months' exclusive breast- feeding, policymakers are encouraging idealistic expectations and goals in pregnancy, but health services are not providing the skilled help required to establish breastfeeding after birth."

The number of nurses and midwives employed by NHS Scotland has fallen by more than 1600 since September 2010.

Gail Johnson, education and professional development advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said: "The long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby will be lost without continued support and promotion of breastfeeding by midwives and other health professionals."

Dr Pat Hoddinott, the Aberdeen GP who led the research, said it was not about being anti-breastfeeding, but there needed to be more support for women after they give birth rather than during pregnancy.

She said: "The women in our study wanted to breastfeed and they were so disappointed by the reality. It's a very practical skill and I don't think our health service is very well set up for that.

"We said it's like learning to ride a bike before you've got one – it's not very helpful."

l A woman who gave birth 4000ft in the air has said Mull's potholes helped to speed up her labour. Marion Cameron was being transported from the island to Paisley when baby Euan arrived.

He weighed 10lb 50z and his birth certificate will log his place of birth as OS grid reference NM960175, above Loch Awe, Argyll.

Mrs Cameron, of Tobermory, believes it was the 30-minute bumpy ride from her home to Mull's Glenforsa airstrip that speeded things up.