Breastfeeding rates ‘low’ in comparison with other countries

Breastfeeding rates in Scotland “remain low” compared to other countries, according to a new report.

NHS statistics on infants born in 2017-18 showed by the time of their six to eight week check-up, 28% had been exclusively breastfed since birth.

Health visitors working with new parents recorded 51% of babies were being given breast milk at their first check-up at 10 to 14 days, up from 44% in 2001-02.

Just over a third (36%) of youngsters were fed only with breast milk at this stage, with 15% being given both this and formula milk.

By six to eight weeks old, the proportion breastfed fell to 42% with 11% receiving both breast and formula milk and 31% exclusively breastfed.

The report said: “The proportion of babies being breastfed at six to eight weeks of age has increased from 36% of babies born in 2001-02 to 42% of babies born in 2017-18. However, breastfeeding rates in Scotland remain low compared to those seen in other countries, and fall far short of recommended levels.”

It added breastfeeding was “much more common among older mothers, and those from less deprived areas”.

Some 60% of babies in the least deprived areas were receiving breast milk when they were six to eight weeks old, compared to 28% of infants in the most deprived areas.