Thank you for contacting me about infant feeding. I recognise that breastfeeding is a personal choice for each woman to make and that not all mothers are able to or choose to breastfeed.
It is widely agreed that breastfeeding delivers significant health benefits to new-born babies and promotes strong bonds between mother and baby. It provides the child with a perfect balance of vitamins and nutrients and protects mother and baby from infection and disease. That is why, when possible, the Department of Health and Social Care encourages exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life. I understand that breastfeeding rates vary nationally, and I believe that it is important that local commissioners offer all new mothers the best quality of care. There are now more than 2,513 more NHS midwives than a decade ago. They can help provide women with the advice and support needed to breastfeed.
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