Breastfeeding crucial to public health says RCM on new report

By RCM on 14 November 2016 Breastfeeding Public Health

Today the World Breastfeeding Trends initiative report will be published. The report says that while there are good infant feeding policies and programmes across the UK, these are scattered and many are threatened by cuts.

Time will be needed to read and fully understand this report, but commenting on it, Sarah Fox, Professional Policy Advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The UK as a whole is not doing as well as it can in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. This is worrying given there is a very strong and continually growing global body of evidence about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, and its positive impact on public health.

“Breastfeeding is crucial to better public health and prevention of ill health and it should be seen as a key contribution to making the UK a healthier nation.

“We would urge Governments in the UK to take action to remove the barriers to breastfeeding and improve services and support.”

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.