Breastfeeding in Scotland
Breastfeeding statistics in Scotland
The latest infant feeding statistics from Public Health Scotland (2024/25) show that breastfeeding rates in Scotland are at their highest level since records began. Key findings include:
- 69% of babies reviewed in Scotland were breastfed for at least some time after birth, up from 63% in 2016/17
- At the 6–8 week review, 51% of babies were being breastfed – 34% exclusively and 17% receiving a mix of breast milk and formula – meaning, for the first time since data began in 2002, more than half (51%) of babies in Scotland are being breastfed or receiving breastmilk at 6-8 weeks of age
- Over the past ten years, breastfeeding rates have increased at both the first health visitor visit (61% in 2024/25, up from 48% in 2014/15) and the 6–8 week review (51%, up from 38%)
- By the age of 13-15 months, 21.5% of babies in Scotland are breastfed or receiving breastmilk
- Breastfeeding is being maintained for longer: a quarter (25%) of those who breastfed had stopped by 6–8 weeks, compared with over a third (36%) in 2016/17
Increases over the past decade have been greatest among groups with historically lower rates, including younger mothers and those living in more deprived areas, meaning inequalities in breastfeeding have reduced over time. The Scottish Government has confirmed that its commitment to reduce the drop-off in breastfeeding rates at the 6–8 week point by 10% by 2025 has been met.
Breastfeeding rates in Scotland are monitored and published annually by Public Health Scotland. The latest infant feeding statistics publication is available online. Information is collected at routine child health reviews at 10–14 days and 6–8 weeks of age, and statistics are presented by NHS Board, Council Area and deprivation level.
Breastfeeding policy in Scotland
Scotland’s current national policy framework is the Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategic Framework 2025–2030, published by the Scottish Government in June 2025. Building on the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Framework (2011) and the Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly report (2019), it sets out key strategic actions to support the infant feeding journey from pregnancy through the first year of life and beyond.
The framework makes clear the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, including the journey towards Achieving Sustainability (Gold) accreditation across maternity, neonatal and community settings. It recognises Baby Friendly accreditation as a core part of the enabling infrastructure that has contributed to Scotland’s improving breastfeeding rates, committing to continuing that progress through 2030.
An annual progress report is now available:
Scotland’s Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategic Framework (2025 to 2030)
Scotland has a law to protect breastfeeding your baby in public
Scotland was the first country in the world to introduce legislation (The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005) making it criminal offence to stop a parent feeding their child, either by breastfeeding or bottle feeding in premises where the public have general access. The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme – launched in 2019 – continues to create supportive environments and normalise breastfeeding in communities across the country.
Breastfeeding resources in Scotland
Public Health Scotland infant feeding statistics: annual publication covering breastfeeding rates across Scotland by NHS Board, council area and deprivation level. The primary source for current breastfeeding data in Scotland.
Breastfeeding peer support core principles for volunteering in Scotland: Scottish Government guidance setting out the core principles for breastfeeding peer support in volunteer settings, supporting consistent, evidence-based practice across NHS and third sector services.
NHS Education for Scotland — infant feeding learning resources (TURAS): a suite of eLearning modules for health professionals working across maternity, neonatal and health visiting services in Scotland, covering breastfeeding, formula feeding, introduction of solids and infant feeding practical skills. Available via the TURAS platform to registered NHS Scotland users.
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme: the national accreditation scheme for businesses, public spaces and early learning settings committed to creating welcoming environments for breastfeeding. Part of the Scottish Government’s broader effort to normalise breastfeeding across communities. You can find more information about the programme and who to contact here: Breastfeeding and your business – mygov.scot
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Years Scheme
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Schools Scheme
Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Scheme
Baby Friendly statistics
Find out the latest Baby Friendly accreditation statistics