Government policy is to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding while solid foods are introduced.1 Current breastfeeding data does not include rates of exclusive breastfeeding but the UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding worldwide, especially among families from disadvantaged groups.2 A marked feature is the rapid decline over the first few weeks. Although 69% of babies in 2000 were put to the breast at least once, one-fifth (21%) of breastfeeding mothers stopped within the first 2 weeks and over a third (36%) by 6 weeks after the birth.3 Only one in 10 of these women had fed for as long as she intended; nine out of 10 would have liked to have breastfed for longer.
The reasons mothers give for stopping; babies rejecting the breast, painful breasts or nipples and perceived insufficient milk, suggest that many women do not receive adequate information and skilled support in the early days.
Babies who are not breastfed are more likely to suffer gastroenteritis, ear and urinary tract infections and respiratory disease requiring admission to hospital. In the longer term, there is a greater risk of increased blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.2 Beyond the immediate discomfort and medical problems, low rates of breastfeeding can therefore cause increased disruption and anxiety for families, and the costs associated with increased use of primary and secondary care.4
The recently published Effective Action Briefing on the Initiation and Duration of Breastfeeding summarises the evidence and presents practical recommendations for promoting the initiation and/or duration of breastfeeding, particularly among population groups where breastfeeding …