Primarolo: Breastfeeding should be the norm
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 12:43
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo has marked the start of national breastfeeding awareness week by calling on breastfeeding to become normal practice.
Her comments follow government research showing 51.1 per cent of women under 20 breastfeed their children, compared to 76 per cent of women of all age groups.
"The recent scientific advisory committee on nutrition review highlighted the fact that younger mothers, mothers from lower socioeconomic groups and mothers with lower educational levels appear least likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding," Ms Primarolo explained.
"It is imperative that we support our most vulnerable families to make breastfeeding the norm and improve health outcomes for all."