Breastfeeding
In the early 1990's Scotland 's breastfeeding rates were
among the lowest in Western Europe . The SDAP included
recommendations for action and a target for breast feeding
rates.
The number of women who initiate breastfeeding has
increased from 50% in 1990 to 63% in 2000 (Infant feeding
Survey 2000). Breastfeeding at six weeks has increased
from 30% to 40% between 1990 and 2000, representing an
increase of 33% in the proportion of mothers breastfeeding
at 6 weeks.
Mothers in Scotland are more likely than mothers in
other UK countries, to continue breastfeeding at all stages
from 6 weeks to 9 months.
The Scottish Executive seeks to co-ordinate and
stimulate support for breast feeding through the Scottish
Breastfeeding Group, the appointment of a part time
National Breastfeeding Adviser and through Scottish
Executive policy.
The NBA has worked with NHS Boards to stimulate the
development of strategies to support breastfeeding. 14 of
the 15 NHS Boards now have breastfeeding strategies with
many innovative and successful action projects and
activities stemming from these.
NHS Health Scotland has supported breastfeeding through
research, training, resource development and a
communication and health education package including TV
advertisements.
Scotland now has the highest level of participation in
the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative of any UK country
with more than 40% of Scottish maternity units having
achieved the UNICEF award in recognition of good practice.
More than 50% of Scottish babies are born in a UNICEF Baby
Friendly accredited maternity unit. The best practice
initiative is now being taken up in the community setting
with two community awards to date.
There are eleven breastfeeding peer support programmes
across Scotland, 150 breastfeeding support groups and an
increasing number of Breastfeeding Welcome Here
schemes.
External Links
www.show.scot.nhs.uk/breastfeed
www.hebs.com
www.babyfriendly.org.uk
Contact Information
Joanna Wright, Policy Manager, Women and Children's
Unit, SEHD
joanna.wright@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Jenny Warren, National Breastfeeding Adviser at
jenny.warren@scotland.gsi.gov.uk