NHS Lanarkshire has seen improvements at every stage of the breastfeeding pathway, with statistics released by Public Health Scotland showing that Lanarkshire has surpassed national targets.
Susan Short, maternal and infant nutrition lead for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We are absolutely delighted with these results.
“To see such consistent improvement across every stage of the breastfeeding journey, and to exceed our national target to increase breastfeeding continuation, is a testament to the dedication of staff right across Lanarkshire.
“We know that not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but everyone has a role to play in support of breastfeeding.
“Every midwife, health visitor, family nurse, nurse, maternity support worker, health care support worker, nursery nurse, breastfeeding support assistant, health improvement locality team, volunteer, community group, business and partner organisation has played a part in supporting families and building a culture where breastfeeding is better understood, encouraged and protected.”
Under the latest data, breastfeeding initiation across Lanarkshire has risen to 56.7% — up 2.5% from last year and nearly nine percentage points since 2016/17.
South Lanarkshire reached 60.2%, while North Lanarkshire recorded 53.3%.
At the health visitor’s first visit, 47.8% of babies were receiving some breastfeeding, an increase of 3.7% from last year and more than 15 points over the longer term.
Rates at 6–8 weeks climbed to 38.3% — almost five points higher than last year and 12.5 points above 2016/17.
NHS Lanarkshire also achieved the UNICEF Baby-Friendly Gold Award for acute and community services, and Carnwath became Lanarkshire’s first accredited Breastfeeding-Friendly Town.
More than 900 businesses and organisations have joined the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme.
Claire Rae, chief officer, University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “These results are hugely encouraging and reflect the commitment of teams across North Lanarkshire to giving every baby the best possible start in life.
“We are delighted to be the first local authority in Scotland to achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Gold Award.
“The progress we’re seeing isn’t just the result of clinical services – it’s the product of community-wide support.
“With hundreds of local businesses and organisations now part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme, families are surrounded by places where they know they are welcome.
“That kind of environment makes a real difference to parents’ confidence and their ability to continue breastfeeding.
“This progress shows what can be achieved when services, partners and our communities work together with families at the heart of everything we do.
“I want to thank all staff, volunteers and local organisations for the compassion and commitment they show every day.”
“The improvements in breastfeeding rates and the increasing number of families continuing to breastfeed demonstrate a whole-system effort, grounded in evidence and delivered with real passion for improving outcomes.
“The recognition of Carnwath as Lanarkshire’s first accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Town highlights how deeply this work is rooted in our communities, with local businesses, partners and organisations all playing their part in creating welcoming environments for families.
“Our staff, partner organisations, and the families we support have all contributed to this achievement.
“We will continue to build on this momentum to ensure children across South Lanarkshire have the very best start.”
