The Scottish Labour party have requested for additional items to be added to Scotland’s baby boxes which include breast pumps, nipple shields, high-quality nursing pads and cream to aid mothers with breastfeeding.
It's been said that every child born or after August 15 of this year will receive a cardboard box filled with baby items such a nappies and books as well a mattress and blanket.
The party have made this request because health experts have advised it.
Monica Lennon, MSP, inequalities spokeswoman for the Scottish Labour Party believes the baby boxes will improve breastfeeding support and should improve breastfeeding rates in less advantaged areas in the country.
“There is more that can be done to support and encourage breastfeeding in Scotland,” said Monica, according to the Aberdeen Evening Express.
The evidence shows that breastfeeding has a positive impact on long-term health outcomes, and it, therefore, makes sense that the Scottish Government should be doing all it can to promote awareness of these benefits, while also providing practical support to assist women in their choices.
Figures last year showed that only 50 percent of babies in Scotland her being breastfed after 10 days and only 30% babies are breastfed thereafter.
Mothers are recommended to breastfeed their baby for the first six months of their baby’s life. Only breastmilk is recommended until the age of six months then solid foods can be introduced alongside the breastmilk.
“Breastfeeding may be natural, but it is not always easy. The baby box presents a unique opportunity to improve breastfeeding support as part of the aim to provide every child in Scotland with the best possible start in life,” said the spokeswoman.
“I have written to SNP ministers proposing that the Scottish Government runs a pilot scheme of including direct aids to support breastfeeding in the universal baby box. This would be a very practical resource, in addition to existing advisory services, and I hope the SNP will take the proposal on board.”
"We've consulted health care experts and, importantly, listened to the views of parents, particularly those who took part in the pilot initiative,” said a spokesman for the Scottish government, according to the BBC.
"We will keep the contents under review and adapt these to meet the needs of babies and parents. This will certainly include considering what additional items could be provided to complement existing measures and support we provide to promote breastfeeding.”
