Schoolchildren should be taught about the importance of breastfeeding, doctors say.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says the UK has one of the lowest rates of the practice in Europe - with just a third of babies receiving breast milk at the age of six months.
They argue breastfeeding in public is still "often stigmatised".
The Royal College recommends the subject is covered in personal, social and health education (PSHE) classes.
It advises that mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed exclusively for up to six months, with solid food introduced from six months, ideally alongside breastfeeding.
'Yucky'
Professor Neena Modi, the Royal College's president, said too few babies were being breastfed and it was up to the government, families and schools to get the country out of a "blackspot".
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says the UK has one of the lowest rates of the practice in Europe - with just a third of babies receiving breast milk at the age of six months.
They argue breastfeeding in public is still "often stigmatised".
The Royal College recommends the subject is covered in personal, social and health education (PSHE) classes.
It advises that mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed exclusively for up to six months, with solid food introduced from six months, ideally alongside breastfeeding.
'Yucky'
Professor Neena Modi, the Royal College's president, said too few babies were being breastfed and it was up to the government, families and schools to get the country out of a "blackspot".