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‘Efforts must be made to tackle inequality’ say midwives on latest breastfeeding report for Scotland

By RCM on 25 October 2016 Breastfeeding

Today the Information Services Division (IDS) have released the latest breastfeeding statistics for Scotland.

Findings in this latest statistical report include:

  • Across Scotland, almost half of babies born in 2015/16 (49.3%) were being breastfed.
  • Breastfeeding rates are lower in more deprived areas and among younger mothers.
  • Breastfeeding rates vary across Scotland. This may reflect differences in factors such as deprivation and local services.

Commenting on the statistics, Gillian Smith, Director for the Royal College of Midwives, said: “It is good news that breastfeeding rates have not fallen over the past decade, but real effort is needed to increase them.

“These figures show that serious effort needs to be made to tackle the inequality in Scotland and to target resources at those sections of the community suffering from poverty and deprivation. It is often these groups for whom breastfeeding will bring the greatest benefits.

“I am also concerned at the large regional variations in breastfeeding rates across Scotland. We need to know why there are such large differences and then take steps to eradicate them. We need to bring those with poor rates up to the levels of those with the highest, and we need to push them all to do even better.”

 

The ISD Scotland ‘Breastfeeding Statistics Scotland - Financial Year 2014/15’ can be viewed at: https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/2016-10-25/2016-10-25-Breastfeeding-Report.pdf

 

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

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Notes to editors

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/.

 

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