A new target will aim to further increase the number of babies
who are breastfed at six to eight weeks old.
NHS Scotland will now aim to reduce the ‘drop-off rate' – the
number of mothers who stop breastfeeding – by a further 10% by
2031. The announcement follows recent statistics which showed
breastfeeding rates in Scotland are at their highest level since
records began in 2002.
The previous target to reduce the drop-off rate by 10% by 2024-25
was exceeded more than twice over, with a 27% reduction since
2017-18.
, Minister for Public Health
and Women's Health, announced the new breastfeeding goal for
Scotland at the Breast Buddies support group at Perth Royal
Infirmary.
The Scottish Government has invested more than £11 million
additional funding in breastfeeding support since 2018, including
almost £359,000 for the Breast Buddies project in Tayside. Last
year, NHS Tayside became the first UK health board to receive
full UNICEF Gold Baby Friendly accreditation across all services
.
Ms Minto said:
“The new 2031 target will help us to continue to give all
babies the best possible start in life
“The evidence is clear that supporting, protecting, and promoting
breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to improve
the health of mother and baby, in both the short and long term.
“Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but for those that do
we will support them to meet their breastfeeding goals and
improve their experiences.
“The record breastfeeding rates we have seen in Scotland would
not have been possible without the dedication of NHS staff,
infant feeding teams, and peer supporters. They work tirelessly
to help new mums achieve their feeding goals and I thank them for
their work.”
Holly Hunter, Breast Buddies Peer Supporter:
“Having benefitted so much from the support offered by Breast
Buddies when I had my first little one, when the opportunity to
be able to become a peer supporter came up I jumped at the
chance. Whether supporting in person or via text, it's wonderful
to be able to provide any help we can, be that a listening ear,
support, or advice, particularly during what for some can be at
such a vulnerable and challenging time.
"Also seeing the bonds between new mothers as they come together
at groups and the support, they offer through the groups we
facilitate is amazing.”
Jocelyn , Breast Buddies Perth & Kinross
Coordinator:
“We are honoured to welcome the Minister to one of our Breast
Buddies groups and showcase the invaluable support we provide to
families. Since 2017, we have proudly supported families across
Perth & Kinross, contributing to the significant rise in
breastfeeding rates.
"Our services include antenatal and postnatal support delivered
by trained breastfeeding peer supporters, available through local
in-person groups, digital WhatsApp communities, and personalised
one-to-one text support. Funding is always a challenge, so we
deeply value every opportunity to highlight the impact of this
work and ensure its sustainability.”
Gillian McMillan, Infant Nutrition Coordinator, NHS Tayside:
"Across Tayside more than 70% of babies begin life being
breastfed and to ensure mothers can continue breastfeeding for as
long as they choose, it is vital that the right support systems
are in place.
“The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding
from birth up to six months of age and then continued
breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, up to two
years of age and beyond.
“There is robust evidence demonstrating the positive impact of
breastfeeding peer support - not only for the mother but for the
peer supporters themselves. We are proud to have Breast Buddies
working in partnership with NHS Tayside to support mothers to
meet their breastfeeding goals."
BACKGROUND
Infant feeding statistics
- Financial year 2024 to 2025 - Infant feeding statistics -
Publications - Public Health Scotland
Breastfeeding at highest
rate ever recorded - gov.scot
The Unicef UK Baby Friendly
Initiative
