Released on: 13 November 2025
“While the latest figures indicate the highest level of breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks, almost half of women and birthing people in the UK end their breastfeeding journey before they want to. With only 1% exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months, the UK continues to have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world.
“We also have to keep in mind that the data was submitted voluntarily, so we might not get the full picture of parents' experiences with breastfeeding.
“The NHS figures on breastfeeding show strong regional disparities, with many regions remaining far below the national average when it comes to breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks. The figures show that Blackpool, one of the most deprived areas in England, has the lowest breastfeeding rate, while Windsor, one of the least deprived areas, reports the highest. We know that deprivation is linked to poorer outcomes for parents and babies, making effective feeding support even more important in these communities. We must actively listen to parents to understand how they can be better supported. When parents are supported to breastfeed or provide breastmilk for as long as they wish, it can help to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
“We understand that feeding can be emotionally and physically challenging for new parents as it can take time for them to feel confident about feeding their baby. That’s why access to parent-centered, evidence-based, and impartial information that supports mothers and parents to make and sustain the decisions that feel right for them and their baby is so crucial.
“NCT is here to support parents on their feeding journey, offering unbiased, evidence-based information on all types of feeding - be that breastfeeding, expressing, bottle feeding, using formula milk or a combination of these.
“For example, our NCT Infant Feeding Line provides inclusive and free to access feeding support to parents, everyday from 8am to midnight, via 0300 330 0700. No matter the question, no matter the age of the child, NCT’s Infant Feeding Line ensures that no one has to face feeding challenges alone. Through NCT Baby Cafés that run all across the country, we also provide face-to-face support to new parents and provide practical and emotional support for all types of feeding.”
