Breastfeeding support

A helpline has been set up to provide advice for new mothers on breastfeeding after a report said support needs to be more timely and accessible.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) study says breastfeeding has increased from 69 per cent in 2000 to 76 per cent in 2005 across the UK.

But it also warns that the prevalence of new mothers breastfeeding at six weeks is only 50 per cent in England.

Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients a baby needs and studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to become obese in later childhood.

The Department of Health recommends new mothers exclusively breastfeed up to the age of six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods after six months.

In response to the SACN report and as part of the government's obesity strategy, the Department of Health said the new breastfeeding helpline (0844 20 909 20) will provide practical support and information.

It will be staffed by trained volunteer mothers and calls are charged at 5p a minute.

"When it comes to feeding babies, breast is best. Our challenge is to help new mums who choose to breast feed through those early difficult weeks and months," said public health minister Dawn Primarolo.

"That's why we have launched this new helpline to give new mums support so they can breastfeed for longer."

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