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Published on: February 15, 2018
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
Summary
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.
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