Breastfeeding has been shown to have substantial benefits for babies in their first weeks and in the longer term (beyond the period of breastfeeding). Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for infants and protects babies from infections. It also provides the right nutrients as babies develop and grow and is recommended for the first six months (26 weeks) of an infant's life.
The national target for breastfeeding is to increase the breastfeeding initiation rate by two percentage points every year, focusing especially on women from disadvantaged groups.
Breastfeeding Action Plan (pdf, 105.9Kb)
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment - shared online information resource for everyone who commissions, provides or uses health, social and children's services in the city
Helen Robinson
Public Health
Phone: 0191 217 2500