NHS Scotland reveals new target to increase the numbers of babies breastfed at six to eight weeks
Jerri Pinto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, has announced an ambitious new goal in the Scottish government’s efforts to support breastfeeding mums.
Photo by Wes Hicks / Unsplash
In fact, official figures show that breastfeeding rates in Scotland are at their highest level since records began in 2002. The rate is counted by ‘drop-off’ – that is, the number of mothers who stop breastfeeding, and drop-off was reduced by 27% between 2017-18 and 2024-25. This more than exceeded the then-target of 10%.
Now the plan is to reduce drop-off by a further 10% by 2031.
Since 2018, the Scottish government has invested more than £11m in additional funding to support breastfeeding, including £359,000 for the Breast Buddies project in Tayside. Last year, NHS Tayside became the first UK health board to receive full UNICEF ‘Gold Baby Friendly’ accreditation across all its services.
Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, says: ‘The new 2031 target will help us to continue to give all babies the best possible start in life. The evidence is clear that supporting, protecting, and promoting breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to improve the health of mother and baby, in both the short and long term.
‘Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but for those that do we will support them to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their experiences. The record breastfeeding rates we have seen in Scotland would not have been possible without the dedication of NHS staff, infant feeding teams, and peer supporters. They work tirelessly to help new mums achieve their feeding goals and I thank them for their work.’
Holly Hunter, Peer Supporter at Breast Buddies, adds: ‘Having benefitted so much from the support offered by Breast Buddies when I had my first little one, when the opportunity to be able to become a peer supporter came up I jumped at the chance. Whether supporting in person or via text, it’s wonderful to be able to provide any help we can, be that a listening ear, support, or advice, particularly during what for some can be at such a vulnerable and challenging time. Also seeing the bonds between new mothers as they come together at groups and the support, they offer through the groups we facilitate is amazing.’
Jocelyn Smith, Coordinator for Breast Buddies Perth & Kinross, says: ‘Since 2017, we have proudly supported families across Perth & Kinross, contributing to the significant rise in breastfeeding rates. Our services include antenatal and postnatal support delivered by trained breastfeeding peer supporters, available through local in-person groups, digital WhatsApp communities, and personalised one-to-one text support. Funding is always a challenge, so we deeply value every opportunity to highlight the impact of this work and ensure its sustainability.’
Gillian McMillan, Infant Nutrition Coordinator at NHS Tayside, adds: ‘Across Tayside more than 70% of babies begin life being breastfed and to ensure mothers can continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose, it is vital that the right support systems are in place. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months of age and then continued breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, up to two years of age and beyond.
‘There is robust evidence demonstrating the positive impact of breastfeeding peer support – not only for the mother but for the peer supporters themselves. We are proud to have Breast Buddies working in partnership with NHS Tayside to support mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals.’
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