MOTHERS with a "genuine intention" to breastfeed should be prioritised for support to improve low rates in Glasgow.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says offering more help to such mums in hospital could halt a sharp decline when they leave.
Up to 49% of women breastfeed their babies from birth but only 23% in the health board area continue to six weeks, in line with the national average. By the time they leave hospital, 5% will already have stopped.
The health board says providing "additional sustained support" in hospital could prevent this initial drop and help the board achieve a six-week government target of 30%.
The board says it faces challenges to improving rates significantly, including higher levels of deprivation and more young women from poorer areas giving birth, both associated with lower uptake.
Fewer than 14% of women from the most deprived areas are still breastfeeding at six weeks.
The health board's strategy, detailed in board papers, will also include more support for mothers who want to combine breast and bottle feeding. The paper states: "In line with national trends, breastfeeding initiation at birth has decreased in NHSGGC over the last three years.
"The service priority should be given to support mothers who have a genuine intention to breastfeed."
Illnesses such as stomach viruses and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, Director of Public Health, said: "It's about supporting those women in hospital to continue after they leave hospital."
caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk