This dataset presents the percentage of babies who are receiving breast milk at 6 to 8 weeks of age across local areas. The 6 to 8 week check is a key milestone in early infant health monitoring, and breastfeeding status recorded at this point provides an important indicator of infant feeding practices and maternal health support in the early postnatal period.
\n\nBreastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both infants and mothers. Increasing the percentage of newborn babies who are breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks is a public health priority, as it is associated with reduced risk of infection, improved developmental outcomes for infants, and long-term health benefits for mothers. Monitoring this indicator supports efforts to improve maternal and child health services and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
\n\nThe numerator is the number of infants at the 6 to 8 week check who are totally or partially breastfeeding. This includes both exclusively breastfed infants and those receiving a combination of breast milk and other feeds.
\n\nThe denominator is the number of infants due for 6 to 8 week checks within the reporting period and geographic area.
\n\nBirmingham values from 2016/17 to 2023/24 and the Solihull value for 2016/17 have not been published due to data quality reasons. Users should be aware that this indicator is based on observation at the point of the 6 to 8 week check, and is therefore susceptible to measurement bias. Recorded breastfeeding status may not fully reflect actual feeding practices, as it captures a single point-in-time observation rather than a continuous measure.
\n\nThis data is sourced from the Office for Health Inequalities and Disparities (OHID) Child and Maternal Health Statistics. Further information, including the full breastfeeding statistics collection, is available via the link below:
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