This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Breastfeeding uptake increasing
15/05/2006
More mothers are breastfeeding for longer, according to the latest statistics published during Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
The figures show that in 2005 37.7 per cent of women were still breastfeeding at the six to eight week point - an increase from 35.7 per cent in 2004.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said it was good news but it was also disappointing that a 50 per cent target had not been met.
He continued:
"I am pleased that more women are choosing to breastfeed and are continuing to do so for longer. However, it is disappointing that our challenging target of ensuring more than 50 per cent of women are breastfeeding their babies at six weeks has not been met.
"We know that breastfeeding protects babies from a host of potential health problems, which is why we will continue our efforts to encourage mothers to start and continue breastfeeding.
"I am disappointed that we have not hit our target and that while uptake in some areas with high levels of deprivation are improving, this is not happening quickly enough.
"However, we must remember that Scotland is still leading the way in the UK in terms of breastfeeding support. More than 50 per cent of Scottish babies are born in UNICEF baby friendly accredited maternity units, where staff are specially trained to support breastfeeding.
"The Scottish Parliament passed the Breastfeeding Act just last year, giving mothers the confidence to breastfeed their children in public.
"It is appropriate that as part of Breastfeeding Awareness Week I am today launching a new leaflet for businesses, outlining how employers can meet the Breastfeeding legislation and support mothers feeding their children.
"I am pleased that more and more women are breastfeeding, but I want to drive forward a cultural change in the way we feed our children. We are currently consulting on an Infant Feeding strategy, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of giving babies a healthy start and how this can be achieved.
"Clearly we are taking great steps to promote breastfeeding, but I realise this is not for everyone. That's why the Infant Feeding strategy also looks at infant formula and weaning, to ensure that mothers get the best advice on feeding their children.
"We can be proud of the measures we are taking here in Scotland to encourage mothers to breastfeed. The benefits to mother and child are clear, and I am confident that the measures we have taken, and are taking, will continue to help those mothers that can and want to breastfeed to do so."
Some of the statistics include:
- Breastfeeding rates at 6-8 week review have increased to 37.7 per cent in 2005 from 35.7 per cent and from 34.6 per cent in 1999
- In 2005 the breastfeeding rate at 6-8 week review ranged from 26.6 per cent in Lanarkshire to 49 per cent in both Borders and Lothian
- Breastfeeding rates at Health Visitors first visit have increased to 45.1 per cent from 44.1 per cent in 2004 and 42.7 per cent in 1999
- In 2005 the breastfeeding rate at Health Visitors first visit ranged from 33.4 per cent in Lanarkshire to 58.2 per cent in Lothian
The statistics are taken from the Child Health Surveillance Programme: Pre-school (CHSP:PS). Grampian, Highland and the three Island Health Boards use a different system of child health surveillance and are not included in these ISD statistics.
The national breastfeeding target was set in 1994. The target was based on information from the UK wide Infant Feeding Survey 1990.
54 per cent of Scottish babies are now born in a UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited hospital. This compares to 35 per cent in Northern Ireland, 34 per cent in Wales and 8.6 per cent in England. These UNICEF figures were published in July 2005.
The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act was given Royal Assent on January 18, 2005.
National Breastfeeding Awareness week runs from May 14-20, this year it is focusing on the positive benefits for both mother and baby.
The consultation on the Infant Feeding Strategy for Scotland was launched on 30 March 2006 and will last for three months. The consultation document can be found on