New figures show the borough’s breastfeeding rates are on the rise as more families in Knowsley are choosing to breastfeed their babies.
An update on the Knowsley Breastfeeding Strategy 2025-2030, presented at Knowsley’s Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 15 September, shows that breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks has increased from 33.1% in 2024/25 to 37.6% in 2025/26.
The increase is sign that the wide range of support available to families across Knowsley is making a difference.
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both babies and mothers. It can help protect babies from illness, support healthy development and improve maternal wellbeing. Although Knowsley’s rates remain below the regional and national average, local partners are working together to help more families access the support they need.
More support available than ever
Over the past year, a range of new services and initiatives have been introduced across the borough.
- Families can access support through local breastfeeding peer support groups, offering both face-to-face and online help.
- Breastfeeding Champions are working across Knowsley to promote positive messages and connect families with local support.
- Dedicated breastfeeding spaces are available in all Family Hubs and Children’s Centres.
- More than 60 local venues and businesses have signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge, helping parents feel welcome and supported when feeding their babies out and about.
- A breast pump loan scheme has been launched across Family Hubs and Children’s Centres, making it easier for families to access practical support when they need it.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“It is fantastic to see breastfeeding rates continuing to increase in Knowsley. This is a real achievement and reflects the hard work of our partners and the commitment of parents across the borough. We know that breastfeeding brings important health benefits for both babies and mothers, and we want every family to feel informed, supported and confident in their feeding choices.”
Creating a breastfeeding-friendly borough
The vision of the Knowsley Breastfeeding Strategy is to create a borough where families feel informed, confident and supported to breastfeed for as long as they choose.
Public awareness campaigns continue to promote positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, including the “Breastfeed Anytime, Anywhere” campaign, which can be seen across the borough.
Need support?
Knowsley families can access breastfeeding support before and after their baby is born through the Infant Feeding Team, Health Visiting Services, Family Hubs and the Breastfeeding Buddy Programme.
Help is available whether you are expecting a baby, just starting your breastfeeding journey, or need support along the way.
For more information about feeding your baby and local support services, visit: www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/babies-feeding-your-baby
Watch the videos
As part of the campaign, a series of short videos has been produced to help parents, families and professionals learn more about breastfeeding support in Knowsley. Topics include social support networks, returning to work, cluster feeding and how small conversations can help build confidence for new parents.
Videos can be viewed on YouTube
The update report for Knowsley’s Health and Wellbeing Board can be viewed online.