A RECORD number of new mums in North Ayrshire are deciding "Breast is best".

A new report published by Public Health Scotland has highlighted significant improvements in breastfeeding rates across the area.

Data shows the highest rates of breastfeeding in North Ayrshire since the annual Pre-School Child Health Surveillance data launched nationally in 2002/3.

The figures published this year show that the number of babies being exclusively breastfed in the first 10 to 14 days had increased by 7.3 per cent - from 23.2 percent in 2022/23 to 30.5 per cent in 2023/24.

A 5.3 per cent rise was also recorded in the number of babies being breastfed at six to eight weeks, increasing to 25.6 percent in 2023/24 from 20.3 per cent in 2022/23.

Additionally, the report reveals that the number of babies receiving some breastmilk (mixed feeding with breastmilk and infant formula) has also grown over the past year - from 41 per cent to 44.9 per cent at 10 to 14 days, and from 31.7 per cent to 35.3 per cent at six to eight weeks. This follows on from a positive increase the previous year.

The benefits of breastfeeding on the short and long-term health of mothers and babies have been well documented.

It promotes optimum nutrition, growth and development for babies, as well as providing comfort and protection from infections.

As such, breastfeeding is actively promoted and supported in a wide range of settings across North Ayrshire and Arran.

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Children and Families Health Team has prioritised investment in infant feeding support through local health visiting teams.

An investment was also made to a pan-Ayrshire antenatal and peer support programme, currently provided by the Breastfeeding Network.

If you require any support with infant feeding, please speak to your Health Visitor or Family Nurse.