What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board regarding changes in the availability of specialist breastfeeding support in Cardiff Bay and Dinas Powys?
I recognise the importance of breastfeeding as a contributor to ensuring the best start in life for babies here in Wales, as well as supporting the health and wellbeing of mothers.
There are infant feeding leads in all health boards who coordinate the support provided to breastfeeding mothers. These clinicians form part of the Welsh Infant Feeding Network, which is supported by Public Health Wales to monitor current services, identify issues and share best practice.
All neonatal nurses, maternity support workers and midwives play a vital role in supporting mothers to breastfeed. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has a specialist multidisciplinary Seren team, which supports new mothers with their chosen method of feeding.
There have been changes to breastfeeding support group provision within the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area. The health board has expanded its provision for antenatal breastfeeding education workshops and is in the process of recruiting and training 12 new peer support volunteers. My officials are assured these arrangements meet the needs of women and families.
The health board has consistently recorded either the highest or second highest breastfeeding rates at 10 days, six weeks and six months throughout all quarters of 2023 when compared to other health boards.
I am pleased to confirm that the upward trend of babies in Wales being breast fed at 10 days and six weeks during 2022 has continued through all quarters of 2023, with both age points showing the highest rates on record for the last quarter of 2023. I look forward to publication of the next annual breastfeeding data on Stats Wales, which is expected later this month.