BREASTFEEDING RATE IN SCOTLAND INCREASES

That this House welcomes the increase in the number of babies being breastfed at six to eight weeks in Scotland from 36 per cent in 2001-02 to 42 per cent in 2017; notes that this is the highest rate since records began; appreciates the recent investment of an additional £2 million for breastfeeding support by the Scottish Government; understands that all community and marketing services in Scotland has achieved Unicef Baby Friendly accreditation; believes that this represents positive progress, but acknowledges there is still much work to be done; and thanks Linda Wolfson, Scottish Government National Maternal and Infant Nutrition Coordinator and every member of staff, volunteer and peer supporter in Scotland’s communities for its effort in achieving progress in Scotland’s breastfeeding rates.