Health leaders have called it a ‘significant milestone’
Ellie Talbot-Imber and Debbie Jackson of Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Infant Feeding Team(Image: Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust)
A “significant milestone” has been marked in efforts to increase breastfeeding in Hull. Now over half (52 per cent) of babies in Hull are receiving breastmilk at six weeks, representing a dramatic rise from just six per cent in 2008.
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Infant Feeding Team have been awarded the UNICEF Gold accreditation, highlighting the breadth of work they have put into making this happen for the city. Breastfeeding is known to provide significant health and developmental benefits, the Trust said.
For babies, it reduces the risk of respiratory, gastrointestinal and ear infections, lowers the likelihood of certain childhood cancers, and supports brain and speech development. For mothers, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, among many other health benefits.
Hull is one of the most deprived cities in the UK, with life expectancy below the national average and higher levels of ill health. The Trust said that increasing breastfeeding rates, which is one of the earliest and most effective health interventions, has therefore been a key priority for improving long term health outcomes across the city.
Historically, breastfeeding was not widely seen in Hull, meaning many parents grew up without exposure to it as a normal part of infant care. This lack of visibility, combined with limited knowledge or perceived lack of support, contributed to low breastfeeding rates for decades.
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The Trust’s Hull Integrated Infant Feeding Team, which includes Hull City Council, Hull Family Hubs, Goodwin Doula and Peer Support Service, have worked to change this through a fully integrated approach. Support for parents has been strengthened both in hospital and in the community.
Ellie Talbot-Imber, infant feeding lead at the Trust, said, “This is a pivotal moment in our efforts to drive up breastfeeding rates in the city. We are immensely proud of what this means for those infants, their families and the future health of people in Hull.
“We can now say that Hull is a predominantly breastfed city, which is a fantastic achievement.” Councillor Linda Chambers, Hull’s portfolio holder for public health, said: “Reaching a breastfeeding rate of more than 50 per cent is a significant milestone for our city and a testament of what can be achieved when we work together.
“This success reflects the dedication of families, health professionals and partners who work tirelessly to support parents with the information, confidence and services they need.” The Infant Feeding Team have been delivering training across GP surgeries, charities and wider community organisations to increase awareness and create warm, welcoming spaces where women feel comfortable breastfeeding.
The team have also expanded education in schools, including teaching sessions for primary pupils and a new animation featuring children sharing what they think is great about breastfeeding. Public awareness campaigns have grown too, including the Hull Milk Trail, a dedicated Breastfeeding Tent at major city events and an upcoming July exhibition showcasing the team’s work alongside children’s artwork.
These initiatives are all centred on celebrating and normalising breastfeeding. The milestone supports the ambitions set out in Hull City Council ’s Community Plan to become a child-friendly city, to give every child the best start in life, and to ensure Hull is a great place to grow up and raise a family.
These ambitions will also help shape the city’s emerging Best Start Local Plan, aligning local progress with national priorities to improve outcomes for babies, children and families – as set out in the Government’s Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life strategy. For anyone needing support the Hull Infant Feeding Service have a single point of contact which can be reached by calling 01482 259600.
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