A significant milestone in infant health has been reached in Lanarkshire, as 50.7 per cent of babies born in North Lanarkshire were breastfed.
This marks the first time the area has surpassed the benchmark of 50 per cent, reflecting a growing awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding among new parents.
This achievement follows a similarly encouraging figure in South Lanarkshire, where 57.8 per cent of babies were breastfed this year. Together, these statistics represent a positive shift in infant feeding practices across the NHS Lanarkshire area.
Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for infants, strengthens their immune system, and reduces the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic conditions later in life. It also fosters a unique bond between mother and baby, promoting emotional well-being.
Anne Marie Bruce, infant feeding development midwife at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “This is a proud moment for Lanarkshire families and the healthcare community. At NHS Lanarkshire, we are committed to supporting all new families with feeding, however they decide to feed their baby.
“Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits to both mother and baby, including boosting the baby’s immune system, promoting healthy development, and reducing the risk of certain illnesses for mothers.
“We are delighted to see these figures increase as culture change means that more families see breastfeeding as a choice. It is a testament to the hard work of our maternity, health visiting and family nurse teams who provide invaluable guidance and encouragement. We will continue working to ensure that every family has access to the resources and support they need to make informed feeding decisions.”
NHS Lanarkshire attributes this success to dedicated outreach programmes, enhanced support for new mothers and collaboration with local organisations to promote breastfeeding-friendly environments.
In partnership with both North and South Health and Social Care Partnerships, Lanarkshire maternity services were recently awarded the prestigious UNICEF Achieving Sustainability Gold Baby Friendly Accreditation, recognising excellence in supporting breastfeeding and mother-baby relationships.
NHS Lanarkshire remains committed to ensuring every family has access to the information and support they need to make informed decisions about infant feeding. For more information, please visit: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/infantfeeding/
* Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!