Breastfeeding in Wales
Breastfeeding statistics in Wales
Breastfeeding data in Wales is published annually by the Welsh Government using data from the National Community Child Health Database (NCCHD) and the Maternity Indicators Dataset, covering breastfeeding status at birth, 10 days, 6 weeks and 6 months. The latest annual release, which comprises data from 2024, reports that breastfeeding rates in Wales are the highest since beginning data collection on breastfeeding in 2021. Key findings include:
- 64% of babies were breastfed at birth in 2024
- 57% of babies were breastfed at 10 days, 44% at 6 weeks, and 32% at 6 months, all higher than five years ago by between 8 and 10 percentage points
- 65% of mothers intended to breastfeed prior to giving birth
Inequalities persist, with mothers in the most deprived areas less likely to breastfeed than those in the least deprived areas – 52% compared with 75% at birth in 2024. However, there has been a 3 percentage point increase in breastfeeding rates at birth in the most deprived areas since 2019, compared with a 0.7 percentage point increase in the least deprived areas over the same period, suggesting the gap is beginning to narrow. Breastfeeding data for Wales is also published quarterly on StatsWales, broken down by local health board.
Breastfeeding policy in Wales
The Welsh Government has a stated commitment to increasing breastfeeding rates set out across several intersecting policy frameworks. The All Wales Breastfeeding Five Year Action Plan (2019–2024) established the overarching strategic goal of more babies in Wales being breastfed, for longer, with a reduction in inequalities. Building on that plan, the Welsh Government’s Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales delivery plan 2025–2027 commits to developing and delivering a new Infant Feeding Action Plan, which will continue to increase the number of babies who benefit from breastfeeding and address inequalities in infant feeding outcomes. The breastfeeding data published annually also supports the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015, which enshrines in law the principle that every child in Wales should receive the best start in life.
Health boards in Wales have been set goals to achieve accreditation through the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative for hospital, community and neonatal services, and Baby Friendly standards are embedded within the national infant feeding framework.
Breastfeeding resources in Wales
Welsh Government breastfeeding data: annual publication covering breastfeeding rates in Wales at birth, 10 days, 6 weeks and 6 months, broken down by local health board. The primary source for current breastfeeding data in Wales.
StatsWales breastfeeding data portal: quarterly and annual breastfeeding data for Wales broken down by local health board, allowing commissioners and health professionals to track local trends over time.
Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly in Wales report (2022): assessed Wales’s breastfeeding support environment against international benchmarks and produced 31 recommendations across six themes, including a strategic action plan, consistent funding, and strengthened education and training. Continues to inform policy development and service improvement across Wales.
iHV policy, legislation and guidance — Wales: the Institute of Health Visiting’s curated resource library of Wales-specific policy, legislation and guidance relevant to health visitors, including infant feeding.
Baby Friendly statistics
Find out the latest Baby Friendly accreditation statistics