Breast is best, says Briggs

There has been a drastic reduction in specialist breastfeeding support in Lothian since December 2017 which has considerably disadvantaged new mothers, says Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs MSP.

These clinics were a crucial resource where breastfeeding women could be referred or self-refer at any time, the latter on a drop-in basis.

In NHS Lothian if a new mother requires access to specialist breastfeeding support they have to be referred through their health visitor and fill out an application, creating barriers for mothers getting support straight away. (link)

Mothers in Lothian are now being forced to use private breast feeding support, that can cost over £100 an hour (link)

Breast feeding has been proven to improve the bond between the mother and their child as well as having significant health benefits for the baby (link).

Edinburgh University last week released research showing that premature babies show better development when fed on breast milk (see attached News Release).

NHS Lothian received UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation in June this year (link) despite these cuts and many mothers and baby support groups not being happy with the service provided.

The Scottish Government has recently doubled funding for breast feeding support (link).

Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Lothian MSP, said: “Cuts to breastfeeding services have been made across Lothian under this SNP government.

“I have been working with new mums who want to see the return of walk in specialist breast feeding services, rather than by referral.

“It is very clear to me that SNP Ministers and have not honoured the Scottish Governments commitment for every child to have a fair start in life by promoting, supporting and maintaining breastfeeding.

“The benefits of breastfeeding for new born babies and their mothers is huge and is not an area where we can cut corners on funding.

“I would like to see NHS Lothian to meet with breastfeeding support groups in Lothian to get feedback on how this funding can be best utilised and I have written to the Health Minister to raise my concerns.”