Fewer mums in county are breastfeeding their babies

THE number of babies being breastfed right after birth is much lower in Nottinghamshire than nationally, latest figures show.

- By LATIFA YEDROUDJ

Currently, 66.7 per cent of babies in the county are breastfed shortly after being born, compared with 71.9 per cent nationally.

And only 46.9 per cent of babies in Nottinghamshire are still receiving some breast milk between six to eight weeks old, while the national average is 52.7 per cent.

Less well-off women tend to have lower breastfeeding rates, according to the report, the county council's Nottinghamshire Infant Feeding Framework for Action.

The NHS says exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, as breast milk has been proven to be better than formula milk at helping a baby avoid illness and infections.