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Breastfeeding rates are increasing in Scotland

D M Tappin1, J M Mackenzie, A J Brown

  • 1Paediatric Epidemiology and Community Health (PEACH) Unit, Department of Child Health, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow.

Health Bulletin
|April 1, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding rates in Scotland increased by 6.4% between 1990/1991 and 1997/1998. This rise in infant feeding practices occurred despite demographic shifts, highlighting the impact of targeted initiatives.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is a critical public health practice with significant benefits for infant and maternal health.
  • Monitoring trends in breastfeeding prevalence is essential for evaluating public health interventions and policy effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the change in breastfeeding prevalence in Scotland from 1990/1991 to 1997/1998.
  • To analyze breastfeeding trends by geographic region and maternity unit, adjusting for demographic factors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of infant data collected via Guthrie cards at approximately seven days postpartum.
  • Inclusion of 131,759 infants born in 1990/1991 and 118,055 infants born in 1997/1998.
  • Statistical adjustments for maternal age, deprivation, and infant age were applied for 1997 data.

Main Results:

  • Overall breastfeeding prevalence increased from 35.6% in 1990/1991 to 42.0% in 1997/1998, a 6.4% rise.
  • Maternity units participating in the UNICEF U.K. Baby Friendly Initiative showed greater improvements (8.1%) compared to others (2.2%).
  • Higher standardized breastfeeding rates were observed in the East Coast of Scotland compared to West and Central regions.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding rates in Scotland significantly increased over the study period, with less than half attributable to demographic changes.
  • Current breastfeeding targets are unlikely to be met without further interventions.
  • Encouraging full participation in the Baby Friendly Initiative and implementing pre-conception interventions are recommended to boost breastfeeding rates.
Abstract

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