Breastfeeding plan to give all children the best start in life

According to Lincolnshire County Council, there is strong evidence that breastfeeding improves health, reduces the risk of illness and premature death, and helps reduce healthcare costs.

Yet, breastfeeding rates in the UK remain among the lowest in the world, including here in Lincolnshire.

Produced by the Best Start Family Hubs programme team and Children’s Health team, with NHS colleagues and local community groups, the new Lincolnshire Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategy Ambition and Action Plan 2026–32 is designed to make sure every family gets the support they need, in order to reverse that trend.

Health organisations in Lincolnshire say they are committed to creating a seamless infant feeding journey for families. Through strong partnership working between midwifery, neonatal services, children’s health service, Best Start family hubs and children’s centres, families receive coordinated support throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.

This is complemented by a network of Lincolnshire breastfeeding groups, delivered across 47 Best Start family hubs and children’s centres, where expectant and new parents can access information, build supportive relationships with other families, and receive encouragement and guidance.

This forms part of the wider Lincolnshire Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan, which recognises the strong links between breastfeeding and a child’s longer-term health and educational outcomes.

Coun Natalie Oliver, executive member for children’s services, said: “Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s health, reducing the risk of serious infections and hospital admissions. It also supports healthy growth and brain development, with breastfed babies more likely to stay healthier throughout childhood.

“While we’re only slightly below the national average, breastfeeding rates vary greatly across the county. In some of our more deprived areas, mums are nearly four times less likely to breastfeed compared to those in other communities.

“We want every parent who chooses to breastfeed to feel confident and supported - no matter their background or situation – so they can have a positive experience.”

The strategy highlights five key priorities to help achieve this goal:

- Championing breastfeeding everywhere – so families get help sooner

- Well-trained teams working together to support breastfeeding – meaning everyone can access health services fairly, no matter where they live or their circumstances

- Infant feeding support whenever and wherever it is needed through services working better together

- Organisations act as one team, making support easier and more consistent

- All teams supporting parents and children are confident and skilled, helping more families to breastfeed successfully

For further advice and guidance on breastfeeding, including how to access support, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/homepage/223/feeding-your-child