Breastfeeding has benefits for mother and baby, it is claimed

The local health authority saw figures increase by 3.2% to 34% in 2005.

There was also an increase in Tayside, where rates rose from 37% in 2004 to 40.1% last year.

Across Scotland 37.7% of women were still breastfeeding when their child was six to eight weeks old in 2005, an increase from 35.7% in 2004.

The Scottish Executive failed to meet its target for half of women to be breastfeeding at six to eight weeks old.

However statistics published on Monday, the first day of Breastfeeding Awareness Week, showed that more mothers are breastfeeding for longer.

'Health benefits'

NHS Tayside has now launched a campaign in a bid to maximise its increase.

Health experts claim that breastfeeding has benefits for both mother and child.

These include a reduced risk from stomach, ear and respiratory infections and allergic conditions such as eczema and asthma for babies.

There are a number of benefits for mothers, including a lower risk of breast cancer, stronger bones in later life and even a faster return to their pre-pregnancy figure.

NHS Tayside breastfeeding co-ordinator Janet Dalzell said: "We recommend that mothers breastfeed if they can because it really is best for their babies.

"However, we recognise that the decision to breastfeed is a personal one and each woman should make up their own mind after learning about it."