Breastfeeding on the rise in Darlington
MORE mothers in Darlington are choosing to breastfeed, helping to ensure babies in the town are given the best start in life.
MORE mothers in Darlington are choosing to breastfeed, helping to ensure babies in the town are given the best start in life.
The most recent data from 2023/24 reveals that more than 40% of new mothers in the town were breast feeding their babies at 6-8 weeks after birth - more than in any other year in the last decade. This compares to just 38.5% across the Northeast as a whole. However, breast feeding rates in Darlington are still significantly lower than the national average.
This national breastfeeding week (1-7 August 2025), Darlington Borough council is asking local pregnant women and people to consider breastfeeding. It's not only cheaper and more convenient, it has long term health benefits for both parent and child.
Kath Lane, specialist health visitor for infant feeding, said: "Breastfeeding protects babies from illnesses and lowers the risk of infection, diarrhoea and vomiting. It also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Producing breastmilk and breastfeeding can also protect parents from some types of cancers and other long term health conditions - and adults who were breastfed as babies have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and are less likely to be obese.
"Whilst supporting all parents irrespective of feeding choice, we acknowledge that with the right support and guidance, breastfeeding can be a fulfilling, connecting and positive experience. In Darlington a range of support is available for new parents including a weekly breastfeeding support group held at the Dolphin centre on a Thursday and an infant feeding clinic at Darlington Library on a Monday. The 0-19 Growing Healthy app also has some useful information on getting feeding off to the best start, sustaining breastfeeding and responsive feeding.”
Cllr Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, Darlington Borough Council, said: "We are committed to ensuring that people in Darlington, live well and stay healthy for longer. A key part of this making sure children and young people have the best start in life. In Darlington, healthy life expectancy is just 60 years old - breastfeeding your baby is a great way to make sure you're setting them up with a great foundation for their future health.
"We know that many stop breastfeeding earlier than they want to as they do not feel confident going about their daily lives while breastfeeding. I want to assure them that Darlington is a baby and breastfeeding friendly town. Council venues including the Hullabaloo, Hippodrome, Dolphin Centre and Darlington Libraries offer a welcoming environment for people who are breastfeeding and their families and have been accredited as part of the breastfeeding friendly scheme, as have many businesses and GP practices in the town.”