Nutrition in the early years is crucial for a child’s health, growth and development. There is extensive evidence highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and national policy encourages breastfeeding into the second year of life and beyond. Yet, breastfeeding remains a challenging area in the UK (which has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates globally), and many families are left without adequate support.
Bremner & Co is delighted to have been commissioned by Impact on Urban Health to conduct an in-depth review of breastfeeding in England. The research aimed to report on breastfeeding policy and practice issues from the perspective of those working in and around breastfeeding, and to highlight the barriers to breastfeeding initiation and continuation.
The findings highlight an absence of coherent leadership and significant gaps in current policies, resulting in underfunded and under-resourced support services. A complex network of interconnected barriers were identified, many of which disproportionately impact marginalised groups. The research indicated the charity and community support sector are overly relied on, while the resource-rich and powerful infant formula industry are highly influential.
While the findings reveal many areas for concern, there are also promising opportunities for demonstrable impact. Recommendations are made for stronger policy and national leadership, robust support for charities and NGOs, investment in research, framing and communications, and a focus on place-based initiatives to ensure that all infants have access to the nutrition they need.
Breastfeeding policy must be integrated into the broader food system and food policy, with an eye toward tackling inequalities in access to nutritious food—ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life.