Question reference: S6O-01914
- Date lodged: 15 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 22 February 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendations in the 2023 series on breastfeeding by The Lancet, which include calls for governments to provide more accurate and timely information about breastfeeding and infant behaviours, an end to any exploitative marketing used by the baby formula milk industry, and more recognition of any economic contribution that breastfeeding makes to society.
Answer
We welcome the 2023 Lancet Series on breastfeeding and will consider its recommendations in due course.
Scottish Government is committed to supporting breastfeeding as the normal nutrition for babies. We have invested over £7m of additional funding over the past four years to NHS Boards and partners, to improve breastfeeding experiences.
Globally, it is recognised that breastmilk and breastfeeding provide clear health benefits to both mother and baby, over infant milk formula.
We believe that every child should get the best nutritional start in life, and that families should be able to make fully informed choices on how they feed their baby.