June 4th 2026 – JOINT PRESS RELEASE from The Breastfeeding Network, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, La Leche League GB, and La Leche League Collective.
We welcome the publication of the latest Infant Feeding Survey 2024 (IFS), which shows improved breastfeeding rates across England. Whilst the numbers look positive, the IFS shows large numbers of families still stop breastfeeding earlier than they intend to. “Around 7 in 10 mothers (72%) who stopped breastfeeding by the time their baby was 4 to 6 months old said they would have liked to breastfeed for longer.”
A call to action
Everyone deserves the chance to meet their feeding goals. We are therefore urging policymakers to commit to sustained investment in high-quality infant feeding and breastfeeding support – delivered consistently across England and accessible to all families. The IFS is a timely reminder that infant feeding support is a public health priority and requires long-term funding.
Inequality and lack of support
Today’s survey shows that while there have been improvements in infant feeding outcomes, “Mothers living in the least deprived areas were more likely than mothers living in the most deprived areas to have breastfed for as long as they intended to (16% compared with 8%).”
We know many of the reasons that are reported for stopping breastfeeding could be resolved with accessible, skilled, evidence-based support. Whilst it is clear that stopping earlier than intended is a problem for all parents, where you live should not be a factor in this. It is vital that the same level of support is available for anyone with a baby, regardless of their postcode.
Support that respects choice
The IFS shows that many mothers breastfeed or give their babies breastmilk, many use formula, and many do both. The survey also suggests that many mothers, parents and families are not given opportunities to access the information they need to make informed choices, both antenatally and throughout their feeding journeys. We provide trusted, independent and evidence-based information, free from commercial influence, so parents can make decisions with confidence and without judgement at every point in their feeding journey.
What works when support is available
Between our four charities we provide a wide range of national and local services that support tens of thousands of parents every year. The 2024 survey reflects that families are accessing the many types of support we offer.
These include the National Breastfeeding Helpline, a free UK-wide service available 24 hours a day, as well as evidence-based online resources, local groups, one-to-one support, webchat, and social media support. Together our organisations bring decades of experience and a trained workforce with both professional expertise and lived experience.
Quotes
Sarah Turner, Chair of the Board, The Breastfeeding Network (BfN)
Every family should be able to access the information to make their own decisions about feeding, and the support to make them work. The IFS shows clear improvement, but on both counts there is still work to do. This is where volunteer organisations — BfN, ABM, LLL GB and LLL Collective among them — excel. We give families time, not just as peers who have been there ourselves but as skilled supporters with evidence-based information to hand, always free from commercial interest. We want every family to be able to access that kind of care at any point they need it, to ensure the best start for every baby.
Eleanor Campbell, Chair of Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM)
“Everyone should be able to choose to feed their baby the way they want, for as long as they want. The evidence is clear women and families need support from multiple sources, to enable them to have a positive experience feeding their babies. The volunteer sector is key in providing this support, so that all families and babies can thrive.”
Emma Baghdadi, Co-Chair of La Leche League of Great Britain (LLLGB)
“Support for breastfeeding is essential. It is vital that families have access to skilled support to overcome breastfeeding challenges. The IFS shows improvement in many areas, but also that many mothers would have liked to breastfeed for longer. We need universal ongoing community-based support where all families have a place to be seen, heard, and understood so that they can shape their own journey.”
Melissa Branzburg, Chair of LLL Collective (LLL Collective)
“The earliest days of life can be the biggest, most important, overwhelming, and critical time for babies and parents alike. Having access to timely, expert, evidence-based, independent information and support plays a crucial role.”
-ENDS-
About The Breastfeeding Network
BfN has a network of 650 trained volunteers across the UK, providing evidence-based breastfeeding help via drop-in groups, peer support programmes, the National Breastfeeding Helpline (NBH), and the Drugs in Breastmilk Service (which provides information on taking medication whilst breastfeeding to families and healthcare professionals).
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
National Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 100 0212
About Association of Breastfeeding Mothers:
ABM are a group of trained volunteers dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mums and their families. We’ve been supporting mums and nurturing families for almost 40 years.
We seek an environment where breastfeeding can thrive in the UK, where women and families are supported to have a positive breastfeeding experience and lactation is valued
About La Leche League GB
La Leche League GB offers free, evidence-based breastfeeding support. Our trained volunteer Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors), have all nursed their own children. We empower mothers and families with knowledge, confidence and empathy. We provide understanding and connection through meetings, email, phone, messaging and social media.
www.laleche.org.uk
About La Leche League Collective
LLL Collective is a volunteer-led charity working to provide breastfeeding and chestfeeding support, and address equitable access for families around Great Britain. LLL Collective is under the umbrella of La Leche League International.
www.lllcollective.org.uk
For further information or interview requests please contact:
Carnie Washbrook – The Breastfeeding Network