The most recent Infant Feeding Survey was published in 2011 giving figures on breastfeeding initiation in 2010. The data on continuation is from 2005.  The main aim of these surveys is to provide estimates on the incidence, prevalence, and duration of breastfeeding and other feeding practices adopted by mothers in the first eight to ten months after their baby was born.  The 2005 survey was the first to provide separate estimates for all four countries in the United Kingdom, as well as for the UK as a whole. This survey is published every five years.

A  summary of the key statistics [PDF] from the 2010 survey and the 2005 Survey [PDF] can be found in the Related documents section at the bottom of this page.

The statistical release of breastfeeding statistics by the Department of Health includes breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding prevalence at 6-8 weeks.
Since 2003/04, each primary care trust has been required to submit quarterly data to the Department of Health on the number and percentage of mothers initiating breastfeeding and prevalence of breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks.

Annual breastfeeding statistics for Scotland can be found on the ISD Scotland website. These include breastfeeding by NHS Board, Council area and Community Health Partnership; breastfeeding by deprivation, maternal age and smoking status; duration of breastfeeding; and breastfeeding by hospital of birth.

Statistics for Wales published Births in Wales 2009 [PDF] in 2010. This document gives breastfeeding at birth by age of mother, by place of birth, by Local Health Board and by birthweight.