Breastfeeding statistics

Commenting on statistics released today, Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:

“Breastfeeding has major health benefits, both in the short and longer term, for both mother and baby, and that is why the Scottish Government continues to promote it as the best nutrition for babies throughout all areas of Scotland.

“Breastfeeding rates in Scotland have seen a small increase of 1.3% over the last year, with 48.4 per cent of babied breastfed in 2013/14 at the first visit, compared with 47.1 per cent in 2012/13.

“While rates have remained relatively static over the last decade it is encouraging to see rates in the most deprived areas of Scotland have increased.

“Promoting breastfeeding and targeting support towards the most vulnerable people in society is encouraging mothers from disadvantaged backgrounds to take up breastfeeding. In doing so, they are giving their child the best possible start in life and helping to reduce the inequalities in health that exist between the poorest and richest people in our society.”

“Research shows that women who know about the health benefits of breastfeeding are more likely to start breastfeeding, therefore it is essential that in the antenatal period the health benefits of breastfeeding are discussed and explained to all women. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting women to make informed choices about how they feed their babies and to provide them with a range of tailored information, practical help and care to enable them to initiate and sustain breastfeeding for longer.”

Background:

• The Scottish Government published Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action in January 2011. This is the first framework which provides a way forward for increasing breastfeeding rates as well as improving nutrition for pregnant and young women. An implementation group is in place to oversee the implementation of the Framework. Funding has been allocated to NHS Boards and local and national progress is being monitored, including action to encourage and support breastfeeding, with a particular focus on deprived areas and groups least likely to breastfeed.
• The full statistical publication can be viewed at http://www.isdscotland.org/