World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Exposing the gap between expectation and experience

Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative moments in your life. But all too often, what should be a time of connection and care can feel pressured and overwhelming.  

This World Breastfeeding Week (1st-7th of August), we’re leading an honest national conversation about breastfeeding. We want to have a different kind of discussion – one that’s honest, judgement-free, and centred on you, the parent. Because feeding shouldn’t feel like failing.  

We recently carried out national research into the realities of feeding in the UK, and the findings were striking. 

• Over half of mums (52%) stopped breastfeeding before they were ready. 
• They didn’t stop by choice, they stopped because of pain (36%), low milk supply (29%), mental health struggles (30%), or a lack of support (24%). 
• While 89% wanted to breastfeed, nearly 40% couldn’t continue despite trying. 
• And behind these numbers are real emotions. Half of mums felt ashamed, and 48% felt judged when they couldn’t breastfeed.

Moving away from pressure and judgement  

Breastfeeding your baby shouldn’t come with guilt, shame, or pressure. Yet 64% of mums told us they felt pushed to feed a certain way, even when it wasn’t right for them or their baby. No wonder 85% agree that more investment in breastfeeding support is needed across the UK. 

Why we’re speaking up this World Breastfeeding Week 

At Tommee Tippee, we’re here for every parent. Because behind every feeding journey is a parent doing their best, often without the support they need.

Join the conversation 

This World Breastfeeding Week, we’re creating more space for open, honest conversations about feeding.

Join us on Tuesday the 5th of August @tommeetippeeuk for an Ask Me Anything Live with Pip Davies aka @midwife_pip, where you can get real, practical advice on everything from milk supply to combination feeding, all in a judgement-free space. 

Because you deserve care, not criticism. Support, not shame. And the freedom to feed your baby in the way that works for you. 

No matter your journey, we’re here for you. 

Explore our full range of products, all designed to support you, however you feed. Because you’ve got this. And we’ve got you. 

About the research 

This survey was conducted with respondents who identify as women and use the term 'mother' to describe themselves. Tommee Tippee recognises and respects the diverse identities and experiences of all birthing and feeding people. 

An online survey was conducted by WALR among 2051 UK women of childbearing age (18-45), including 1009 mothers. Minimum quotas have been applied to major cities. Fieldwork took place between 11 July 2025 - 15 July 2025. Data has been collected adhering to MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines to ensure ethical and accurate data collection.