New plan to get more new mums breastfeeding

Women living in deprived parts of Lincolnshire are almost four times less likely to breastfeed than mothers in other areas, according to council bosses.

Lincolnshire County Council has launched a new six-year strategy aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates by educating and supporting families.

It comes as the number of mothers breastfeeding in the UK remains among the lowest in the world, the authority said.

Councillor Natalie Oliver, executive member for children's services, said: "We want every parent who chooses to breastfeed to feel confident and supported, no matter their background or situation, so they can have a positive experience."

The Lincolnshire Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategy Ambition and Action Plan 2026–32 aims to champion breastfeeding, provide support and help families overcome challenges, the council said.

Oliver said she had breastfed both of her children and described it as "the most amazing experience".

"[It was] not only for their health, but also for creating that extra special bond between mother and baby," she said.

Oliver said breastfeeding was one of the most effective ways to protect a child's health and could help reduce the risk of serious infections and hospital admissions.

"It also supports healthy growth and brain development, with breastfed babies more likely to stay healthier throughout childhood," she added.

"While we're only slightly below the national average, breastfeeding rates vary greatly across the county. In some of our more deprived areas, mums are nearly four times less likely to breastfeed compared to those in other communities."

Under the strategy, the council will work with midwives, neonatal services, children's health service, Best Start family hubs and children's centres, to help families get support during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Businesses, restaurants and cafes are also being encouraged to help make breastfeeding more accessible and welcomed across the county.

"We want mums to feel really comfortable and welcome to be able to breastfeed their babies wherever they need to," Oliver said.

The action plan has been produced by the Best Start Family Hubs programme team and Children's Health team, alongside NHS colleagues and local community groups.

It forms part of the wider Lincolnshire Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan, which highlights the benefits of breastfeeding for children's long-term health and educational outcomes.

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