UK has world's lowest breastfeeding rates

Rates of breastfeeding in the UK are the lowest in the world, an international study has shown.

The data, published in medical journal the Lancet, revealed that only one in 200 women - or 0.5 per cent - is still breastfeeding after a year.

The rate fell far below that in Germany, where 23 per cent of mothers are still breastfeeding after a year, and was dwarfed by 56 per cent of mothers breastfeeding in Brazil and 99 per cent in Senegal.

The researchers said it was a "widespread misconception" that breastfeeding was beneficial only in poor countries.

Although breastfeeding is far more common in developing countries, the UK figures lag behind even similar countries in Europe.

In the UK, 81 per cent of mothers had tried breastfeeding at some point, but only 34 per cent were breastfeeding at six months which fell to 0.5 per cent by 12 months.

The report's authors said breastfeeding could save more than 800,000 children's lives a year.

The practice also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.

Lead researcher Professor Cesar Victora, from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, said: "Breastfeeding is one of the few positive health behaviours that is more common in poor than richer countries, and within poor countries is more frequent among poor mothers."

He added: "There is a widespread misconception that breast milk can be replaced with artificial products without detrimental consequences.