Analysis by Unicef UK suggests that the NHS could save millions of pounds if women breastfed for longer, due to the health benefits for mother and baby.
The figures suggest £11m could be saved each year by preventing infections, and £31m could be saved by reducing the cases of breast cancer.
The researchers said it was important to note that the findings didn't depend on persuading more women to breastfeed, but supporting those already breastfeeding to do so for longer.
Rosemary Dodds, senior policy adviser at the charity NCT and co-author of the study, said there had been enormous improvements in the past 20 years in increasing rates of breastfeeding for newborns but support in the community for women to breastfeed longer was lacking and the government had failed to lead on the issue.
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