Gemma Atkinson forced to defend 'NHS' complaint over mum advice
Gemma Atkinson stressed that it's 'personal choice' for parents whether they follow her advice
Strictly and Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson has been forced to defend her ad for a baby product she claims she has been using since the birth of her little girl Mia.
The model and soap star and former Strictly Come Dancing celeb who has two children with Strictly pro dancer Gorka Marquez, today put a post out telling parents about a baby formula machine.
The ad post from Gemma said it was a ‘lifesaver’ to get bottles of formula made to ‘the perfect temperature’.
But some followers questioned whether such devices are recommended by the NHS.
The ad post from Gemma said: “I’ve been using @tommeetippeeuk products since Mia was born in 2019. #ad
“They have so many helpful additions but for me personally, the perfect prep machine has been the life saver!
“In just two minutes I can have bottles made to the perfect temperature which at 3am on night feeds is a must. My mum constantly reminds me “they didn’t have them in my day” it’s made bottle time a lot less stressful and it’s something I would always recommend to first time mums who bottle feed.”
@al_little2020 said: “NHS don’t recommend them though you may want to add for transparency X”
@janie2407 said: “My daughter was advised by her midwife and health visitor that they are not safe and not to use one. Something to do with the temperature and the milk not being sterile.”
Gemma then replied, forced to defend the ad as she said: “There’s so much information isn’t there. I always say to do what’s best for your family. I was recommended them both times by my health visitor. Maybe different advice for different areas? Always do what makes you feel comfortable though I say. 100 percent personal choice with children.”
The NHS advice on formula preparation machines says they are safe if used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
It says: “If you use a baby formula preparation machine, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
“Make sure the water that comes out of the machine is at least 70C when it’s mixed with the formula powder. You can use a digital food thermometer to check this. Water at 70C or more will kill any harmful bacteria.“If the water is less than 70C, stop using the machine and follow the step-by-step guide to preparing formula feed instead.
“You may also want to contact the manufacturer, your local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice to report a fault with your machine.”
NHS guidance says those who can breast feed can pass on several key benefits to their baby. The NHS says breastfeeding:
protects your baby from diseases and infections
is free, convenient and always ready to use – you don’t need to sterilise bottles and teats
is 1 way of helping you bond with your baby
Breastfeeding also has benefits for you, including lowering your risk of:
breast cancer
ovarian cancer
osteoporosis (weak bones)
cardiovascular disease
obesity