National breastfeeding helpline launched

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo has announced the launch of a new national breastfeeding helpline that intends to provide support and information to new mothers in England.

Backed by a 150,000 pound budget, the helpline has been set up in an attempt by the government to promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

Recent studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity in childhood and breastfeeding can also prevent mothers from having health problems in later life.

However, the Infant Feeding Survey 2005 showed that despite the number of breastfeeding mothers increasing by seven per cent from 2000, mothers breastfeeding at six weeks was only 50 per cent in England.

A new report published by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition has called for greater awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and more practical support to mothers who decide to breastfeed.

Ms Primarolo commented: “Our aim is to increase the number of mums breastfeeding for longer and we will monitor progress at 6-8 weeks. Local health authorities will gather this information and report back every quarter.”

Earlier this month, health secretary Alan Johnson called for a debate on fluoridation and urged the NHS to consider fluoridating its tap water in areas of poor dental health.