Written question WQ93335

I recognise the importance of breastfeeding as a contributor to ensuring the best start in life for babies here in Wales, as well as supporting the health and wellbeing of mothers.

There are infant feeding leads in all health boards across Wales who coordinate the support provided to breastfeeding mothers. It is important to recognise all neonatal nurses, maternity support workers and midwives play a vital role in supporting mothers to breastfeed.

I am aware there have been changes to breastfeeding support group provision in the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area. The health board has expanded the provision of antenatal breastfeeding education workshops and is in the process of recruiting and training 12 new peer support volunteers.

I am pleased to confirm that the upward trend of babies in Wales being breast fed at 10 days and six weeks during 2022 has continued through all quarters of 2023, with both age points showing the highest rates on record for the last quarter of 2023. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has consistently recorded either the highest or second highest breastfeeding rates at 10 days, six weeks and six months throughout all quarters of 2023.