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England not doing well as can says RCM on breastfeeding figures

By RCM on 26 October 2016 Breastfeeding

Today Public Health England has published annual data on breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks after birth for 2015-2016.

Commenting on the statistics, Jacque Gerrard, Director for England at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “These statistics suggest that England is not doing as well as it can, in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. This is a concern because there is a very strong and continually growing global body of evidence about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

“There is a huge focus about promoting better health and breastfeeding is fundamental to having a more healthy population, a better start in life for infants and children, leading to healthier adults. It is the bedrock on which better public health can be built.

“This is why the RCM support the UNICEF in their “Call to Action” to the UK governments to take urgent to remove the barriers to breastfeeding and improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation.

“There appears to be significant variation between areas and this is also a concern. Some areas do very well and some not so well. The reasons behind this need to be examined and solutions found. We would encourage midwives, peer support workers and maternity support workers maternity services to share their success stories around breastfeeding so that they can learn from each other.

“The issues with data collection are another concern. Without good data it is difficult to plan and improve services.”

The PHE Breastfeeding statistics can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/breastfeeding-at-6-to-8-weeks-after-birth-annual-data

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/.

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