The Scottish Government will double funding for breastfeeding

Funding to encourage more mothers in Scotland to breastfeed longer is almost doubled.

The Scottish Government has announced an additional investment of £ 2m.

Figures show that last year 63% of babies had been breastfed at one time, but the rate dropped to 41% by six weeks

. Financial aid before World Breastfeeding Week will go to health boards to tackle the problems that prevent some mothers from breastfeeding.

published last year, breastfeeding rates were low in Scotland compared to other countries around the world.

The Scottish Government indicated that it was already working to reduce by 10% the dropout rate for breastfeeding by the time babies are between six and eight weeks old. from here 2025.

The latest figures show that 63% of babies born in Scotland in 2016-17 were breastfed at some point, with 41% still breastfed within six to eight weeks.

Ministers already give 2.3 million euros to NHS boards support breastfeeding – the World Health Organization says it gives babies the best nutritional start and can also improve the long-term health of mothers and their children.

Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick said: Long-term health care for the mother and the child, but we know that for some mothers and babies, breastfeeding can be difficult.

"It is vital that mothers are well supported throughout their breastfeeding, especially when they are having difficulty. and this additional funding will help address some of the common problems they may face very early.

"We also continue to invest in activities that will normalize breastfeeding and allow mothers to feel more comfortable. fortunate and supported while breastfeeding in public. "