The government has provided an extra two million pounds to help more women in England breastfeed.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the money would help improve the UK's breastfeeding rate, which is among the lowest in Europe.
The cash will be used to help hospitals in disadvantaged areas achieve Unicef Baby-Friendly Status, which is a set of standards designed to encourage breastfeeding. The government will monitor progress by measuring the prevalence of breastfeeding at six to eight weeks in all primary care trusts.
"This money will help more mums to breastfeed," said Primarolo. "We want to ensure women know the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits to themselves and their babies."
