Data and Intelligence
The Department of Health and Social Care have a Child and Maternal Health Profile on their “Fingertips” data tool where the latest information can be viewed. Child and Maternal Health | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care
The following information is a summary of key findings from this information when viewed in August 2025.
Prevalence
The breastfeeding prevalence at 6-8 weeks after birth was recorded at 28.0% in Hartlepool in 2023. Lower than both the regional average (38.5%) and national average (52.7%). The trend has increased in Hartlepool since 2020 alongside national and regional trends however has been lower than both for the available data.
The proportion of babies’ who’s first feed was breastmilk experienced a significant decline between 2021/22 and 2022/23 from 96.6% to 67.3%. The proportion in Hartlepool was higher than the national average until 2022/23 and higher than the regional average until 2023/24.
Population Groups
The rate of children looked after (under 18) in 2023 in Hartlepool was 164.0 per 100,000 ranking Hartlepool 150th out of 152 local authorities. This is higher than the regional and national average and has increased since 2021.
The Under 18 maternity rate in Hartlepool (girls aged 15-17 years) in 2021 was 11.1 per 1,000. This is similar to the regional average and higher than the national average. The rate in Hartlepool saw a sharp decrease between 2018 and 2019 before plateauing.