Home / Health / Deprivation Linked to Drastic Drop in Breastfeeding
Deprivation Linked to Drastic Drop in Breastfeeding
25 Oct
Summary
- Lincolnshire sees four times lower breastfeeding rates in deprived areas.
- New six-year strategy aims to boost breastfeeding support and education.
- Council targets universal support for mothers choosing to breastfeed.
Lincolnshire County Council has initiated a comprehensive six-year strategy to address significantly lower breastfeeding rates in its deprived areas, where mothers are almost four times less likely to breastfeed compared to other communities. The "Lincolnshire Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategy Ambition and Action Plan 2026-32" seeks to champion breastfeeding and provide essential support to families.
Councillor Natalie Oliver highlighted the importance of supporting mothers who choose breastfeeding, describing it as a crucial factor for infant health, including reduced infection risks and enhanced brain development. The strategy involves collaboration with healthcare professionals, family hubs, and children's centers to offer support during pregnancy and postnatally.
Local businesses, restaurants, and cafes are also being urged to foster a more welcoming atmosphere for breastfeeding mothers. This initiative is part of the broader Lincolnshire Best Start in Life Strategy, emphasizing the long-term health and educational benefits of breastfeeding for children.
