Parents complain at commercial pressures
Monday March 15th, 2010
A parents' group has launched a campaign to get commercial organisations off maternity wards.
New parents
increasingly feel under pressure to buy unnecessary products because of
promotions in hospitals, according to the National Childbirth Trust.
The NCT released the findings of an opinion poll showing unhappiness among most parents at the level of commercial involvement in birth.
Some 61 per cent said it was wrong that parenting information was provided in packs created by commercial companies, usually including a range of free samples.
The NCT released the findings as it launched its manifesto calling for more support for parents.
NCT chief executive Belinda Phipps said: "The pressure to buy unnecessary or overly expensive goods can mean parents then struggle to cope on the reduced income that comes from having a child, particularly in the current economic climate.
"As it is, parents on lower incomes often return to work earlier than they would like to in order to support their family."
New mother Thelma, aged 37, from London, said: "As a first time mum you are pretty vulnerable and you want the best for your baby. You get sucked into thinking 'I need that' when you don't really.
"I bought a baby blender and have now realised that a fork will do the job just as well. But you buy all this kit and you don't use any of it. I think the pressure comes from magazines, companies and other parents."
Tags: Child Health | Childbirth and Pregnancy | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology
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