Appeal Regarding the Provision of Pre-Made Baby Milk Bottles at Milton Keynes Hospital

I am launching this appeal as I am deeply concerned and disgusted regarding the current policy at Milton Keynes Hospital in Ward 9, where new mothers are being required to provide their own pre-made bottles of baby milk. This practice has significant implications for both the health of babies and the well-being of mothers, many of whom are not made aware of this requirement in advance.

It is deeply troubling that Ward 9 has stopped providing baby milk and does not have a sterilising unit available for patients to prepare bottles of formula. This lack of basic facilities places an unfair burden on mothers who are unable to breastfeed, forcing them to either provide their own pre-made formula bottles or risk their babies going without proper nutrition.

Many parents will struggle to afford the cost of pre-made bottles, which further exacerbates inequalities. Additionally, these bottles, which are provided with teats and are intended for single use only, contribute to unnecessary plastic waste, adding to the environmental crisis. The sheer volume of disposable plastic involved is a concern, especially when there is no option to reuse the bottles or teats.

It is important to note that this issue primarily affects mothers who are unable to breastfeed, whether due to medical reasons, personal choice, or other circumstances. It is unacceptable that the basic needs of these babies—adequate nutrition and care—are not being met by the hospital. The current system is both unfair and harmful to vulnerable parents and their newborns.

I urge the hospital administration to reconsider this policy and ensure that all mothers, regardless of their feeding choices or abilities, have access to the necessary resources to care for their babies. It is essential that every infant's basic nutritional needs are met in a way that is both affordable and environmentally responsible.

Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully sign this petition and hope that meaningful changes will be made to support both mothers and babies at Milton Keynes Hospital.