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The Infant Feeding Survey undertaken in 2010 has shown that initial breastfeeding rates have increased from 76% in 2005 to 81% in 2010 in the UK. Breastfeeding is best for babies and the BSNA welcomes the increase in the rates of initial breastfeeding shown in the 2010 Survey.

There were some regional variations with initial rates of 83% in England, 74% in Scotland, 71% in Wales, and 64% in Northern Ireland, which were significantly higher than rates recorded in 2005 in all but Northern Ireland. Whilst the preliminary results of the survey do not show the longer-term breastfeeding rates, this increase in the initial rate of breastfeeding is encouraging.  The full results will be published in 2012.

According to DH research published in April 2011, “Parents’ views on the maternity journey and early parenthood”, new mothers may need intensive support in learning to breastfeed as it can be difficult at first. the support that mothers have received from healthcare professionals and the DH to initiate and continue to breastfeed will have been a key contributor to the increased breastfeeding rates shown in the 2010 Infant Feeding Survey. 

Infant feeding is highlighted as an important issue in the DH research into parents’ views, which also provides guidance for healthcare professionals in caring for women and their partners.  As well as highlighting that women who choose to breastfeed need plenty of support, it also points out that it is important not to judge a mother if and when she decides to stop breastfeeding. Women who choose to bottle-feed want to feel that their decision is respected and that they will also be supported and looked after.  Feeling judged for their personal choices at this time can damage the longer term relationship with healthcare professionals, and damage the ability to get new families off to a good start.

The surveys can be downloaded here:

Infant Feeding Survey 2010: Early Results

Parents view on the maternity journey and early parenthood