The way that parents choose to feed their child in infancy is one of the most important decisions they will make. Breastfeeding has numerous short and long term benefits to mother and baby and great potential to reduce health inequalities across social class groups particularly the most deprived. This has important implications, both for the individual mother and baby and on a wider public health level. It is understood that by breastfeeding a baby you are providing him/her with the best possible start in life.