A DEBATE over a hospital trust referring to mums who use formula milk as “artificially feeding” babies has broken out on social media.

Last week, the Worcester News reported that the NHS group behind Worcestershire Royal Hospital plans to stop providing free milk powder at the city’s maternity clinic from May 1.

However, while the move itself has caused some backlash, it is the choice of words in the document announcing the decision which has left some parents most upset.

Lauretta Smith said on the Worcester News Facebook page: “Why all of a sudden is it being called ‘artificial’ when it has always been called ‘formula’? It makes mum’s feel bad for using it.”

Beth Richardson agreed, writing that the wording is “poor and unnecessary”.

“No new mum deserves to be made to feel guilty or ashamed by the very people who are supposed to support her and her choices at one of the most difficult and emotional times of her life.”

Laura Haines-Gill said: “It implies that mothers who do not breastfeed are making the wrong ‘choice’.”

Rachel Wright said: “No feed is ‘artificial’, it still does the same job.”

However, Claire Bulman said: “I don’t see the way it’s written is offensive. It’s been called artificial feeding for a long time. It is essentially artificial milk – a manmade product in lieu of a natural substance.”

Caitlin O’Callaghan said: “Even if they called it ‘formula’ there would have been the same arguments. I think ‘formula’ actually sounds worse than ‘artificial ‘milk.”

Leanne Hancox added: “I can’t believe it’s all an issue. I ‘artificially’ fed my second baby as I suffered with breastfeeding. In fact, I hated breastfeeding my first. As long as baby is fed, does it matter?”

Andy Jones said: “Offence is subjective. Things shouldn’t have to be so carefully worded to avoid offending anyone. The message is clear, the wording won’t change that. People need to manage their own feelings and can’t expect the NHS to do that for them.”

Under the new scheme, mums who wish to feed their new born babies “artificially” need to bring a formula starter pack to hospital. Claire Bulman said she “totally” agrees with the change. “Why shouldn’t mums pay for their own formula? It’s expensive and a totally unnecessary strain on an already overstretched NHS. They have stated they will provide it if it is medically required.”

Alison Hodges: “What each parent chooses to do is their choice, but the NHS should not be expected to pay for it.”