Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish newborns. It offers countless health benefits for both mother and baby. Moreover, breastfeeding strengthens parent-infant relationships and supports child development. Despite being the gold standard for infant nutrition, the UK ranks among the lowest globally for breastfeeding rates, with limited breastfeeding support available.
Mothers aren’t giving up without trying. While 81% of new mothers begin breastfeeding, only 24% continue at six weeks. Clearly, this public health issue requires better strategies, programmes, and partnerships to ensure parents get the support they need.
Let’s explore the importance of breastfeeding, the challenges involved, and ways to help more mothers breastfeed for longer.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding Support
Breast milk provides more than just nutrition—it supports a baby’s overall development. Breastfeeding helps newborns get the best start in life and aligns with the First 1001 Days Movement. This initiative advocates for a child’s emotional wellbeing and development from conception to two years old. Notably, the first 1,001 days are critical for laying the foundations of a child’s future health and wellbeing.
Here are ten key reasons why breastfeeding matters:
- It’s highly nutritious. Breastmilk delivers essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.
- It strengthens immunity. Colostrum, the first milk a mother produces, contains antibodies that protect against bacteria and illnesses.
- It helps with bonding. Breastfeeding creates closeness and warmth, making babies feel secure. Moreover, mothers often feel happier through this connection.
- It’s easier to digest. Babies digest breast milk more easily than formula, reducing digestive discomfort.
- It reduces the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- It supports brain development. Nutrients like DHA in breast milk promote cognitive growth. As a result, babies reach developmental milestones more easily.
- It’s affordable and convenient. Breastfeeding eliminates the need for costly formula and is always ready.
- It benefits mothers too. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum depression and certain cancers. Additionally, it provides long-term health benefits for mothers.
- It aids recovery. Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink back to its original size and lowers postpartum bleeding. Consequently, mothers recover faster.
- It’s environmentally friendly. Exclusive breastfeeding avoids the waste and environmental impact of formula production.
Challenges of Breastfeeding Support in the UK
The UK still faces significant barriers to breastfeeding, despite societal progress.
Mothers often stop breastfeeding earlier than planned due to practical, societal, emotional, or cultural barriers, or lack of Breastfeeding support. In fact, a staggering 90% of parents switch to formula earlier than they want. Therefore, healthcare providers, local authorities, and communities must work together to change this. A collective effort can build a positive breastfeeding culture that improves child health and reduces NHS costs by £50 million annually.
The Role of the NHS
The NHS plays a pivotal role in improving breastfeeding rates. Through its guidelines, policies, and initiatives, it normalises breastfeeding in society. By providing breastfeeding support to mothers, the NHS improves health outcomes for babies and mothers while saving millions in healthcare costs.
According to a UNICEF UK report, increasing breastfeeding rates reduces NHS costs significantly. For example, if 45% of babies breastfed exclusively for four months, thousands of hospital visits and GP appointments would be avoided, saving millions annually.
The NHS actively collaborates with the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), a global programme by UNICEF and WHO. This collaboration equips maternity staff with training to support mothers and promotes close parent-child relationships. Anya develops its tools and content in line with BFI standards, which strengthens parental bonds and breastfeeding outcomes.
BFI empowers maternity staff to provide early breastfeeding support and equips parents with practical advice. Additionally, Anya’s evidence-based tools complement these efforts by helping parents maintain breastfeeding during critical postnatal periods. By aligning with BFI principles, Anya enhances healthcare systems’ ability to boost breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates.
