The new Lincolnshire Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategy Ambition and Action Plan 2026–32, developed by the Best Start Family Hubs programme team, Children’s Health team, NHS colleagues, and local community groups, seeks to reverse the trend of low breastfeeding rates in the UK. The strategy aims to ensure every family receives the necessary support throughout their infant feeding journey.
Lincolnshire is committed to a coordinated approach, with strong partnerships between midwifery, neonatal services, children’s health service, Best Start family hubs, and children’s centres. This integrated support extends through pregnancy and the postnatal period. A network of Lincolnshire breastfeeding groups, delivered across 47 Best Start family hubs and children’s centres, will offer information, peer support, and guidance to help parents achieve their breastfeeding goals.
This initiative is part of the wider Lincolnshire Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan, which acknowledges the crucial links between breastfeeding and a child’s long-term health and educational achievements.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive member for children’s services, stated, “Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s health, reducing the risk of serious infections and hospital admissions. It also supports healthy growth and brain development, with breastfed babies more likely to stay healthier throughout childhood.” She added, “While we’re only slightly below the national average, breastfeeding rates vary greatly across the county. In some of our more deprived areas, mums are nearly four times less likely to breastfeed compared to those in other communities. We want every parent who chooses to breastfeed to feel confident and supported - no matter their background or situation – so they can have a positive experience. Following the path set out in this new strategy, we’ll ensure families are supported throughout their feeding journey and can enjoy the many benefits breastfeeding brings.”
The strategy outlines five key priorities: championing breastfeeding universally for early support; ensuring well-trained, collaborative teams provide equitable access to health services; offering infant feeding support whenever and wherever needed for smoother care; building a breastfeeding-friendly Lincolnshire through unified organisational action; and equipping all teams with the confidence and skills to help more families breastfeed successfully.
