Note: This dataset will not be receiving updates through this portal. Please refer to the [Public Health Scotland Open Data](https://www.opendata.nhs.scot/dataset/infant-feeding) platform for the relevant data. The number and percentage of babies who received a health visitor first visit and whose feeding status is known. These statistics are derived from data collected at the health visitor First Visit review (at around 10 days old) and the 6-8 week review, and recorded on the child health pre-school system (CHSP Pre-School). At these reviews, the health professional (normally a health visitor) records whether a mother is exclusively breastfeeding (baby is fed breast milk only), mixed feeding (baby is fed both breast and formula milk), or if the baby is being fed formula milk only. The overall breastfeeding rate includes babies who are exclusively breastfed and babies who are mixed breast and formula fed. Some information may have been suppressed or adjusted to preserve patient confidentiality. More details, including a statistical commentary, are available on the [infant feeding pages of the NHS ISD website](https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Infant-Feeding/). Further details on the methodology used to create this dataset are available in the accompanying [technical report](https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/2018-10-30/2018-10-30-Infant-Feeding-Technical-Report.pdf).
This dataset is produced from the latest data extract from Child Health Systems Programme Pre-School which is a dynamic system, with ongoing updating of records. Data for the previous financial year are updated in the next release though any updates are expected to be minor.
This is an established data collection which covers a very high proportion of the target population. These data are reliable indicator of infant feeding rates in Scotland.
Number, and percentage of, babies being breastfed or exclusively breastfed by review stage.
It is the policy of ISD Scotland to make its websites and products accessible according to [published guidelines](https://www.isdscotland.org/About-ISD/Accessibility/).
To ensure the confidentiality of personal information, the [ISD protocol on Statistical Disclosure Protocol is followed](https://www.isdscotland.org/About-ISD/Confidentiality/).
See 'Differences in definition of exclusive breastfeeding with data from other sources' and 'Breastfeeding rates in the UK' sections of our [technical report](https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/2018-10-30/2018-10-30-Infant-Feeding-Technical-Report.pdf)
This is a National Statistics Publication. National Statistics status means that the official statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value. They comply with the Code of Practice for statistics and are awarded National Statistics status following an assessment by the UK Statistics Authority's regulatory arm. The Authority considers whether the statistics meet the highest standards of Code compliance, including the value they add to public decisions and debate. Find out more about the Code of Practice at: [https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/osr/code-of-practice/ ](https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/osr/code-of-practice/) Find out more about National Statistics at: [https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/national-statistician/types-of-official-statistics/ ](https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/national-statistician/types-of-official-statistics/)
This data is publicly available for planning, epidemiology, provision of services and providing comparative information. See [How breastfeeding statistics are used](https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Statistics-in-Use/Docs/How-breastfeeding-statistics-are-used.pdf),