Two hospital maternity units are to stop providing formula milk and bottles for newborn babies.

East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust has changed its policy in a bid to encourage more mothers to breastfeed.

The change, which affects Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards, will save the trust around £10,000 a year.

However managers say the move is not about making savings and about bringing the trust in line with the standards set out by the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI).

This is a World Health Organisation programme promoting excellence in care of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Implementing BFI standards in maternity units has been found to improve breastfeeding rates and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

The money saved has already been earmarked for refurbishing maternity unit kitchen areas.

Mothers choosing to bottle feed or who cannot breastfeed will be required to bring their own supply of bottles, teats and ready-to-use milk formula for the duration of their hospital stay.

Cleaning and sterilising equipment will continue to be provided within the maternity department.

Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life, helping to protect them from infection and diseases, and reduces the rates of asthma and obesity.

For mothers, it reduces the chances of getting certain diseases, such as ovarian and breast cancer, and also protects against developing weaker bones in later life.

Midwifery matron Chris Cowling said: “All mothers will be told about the change and advice and support will be given throughout.

“Women who intend to formula feed will receive written and practical instructions for cleaning and sterilising equipment, as well as instructions about how to make up a feed.

“They will also be given information about how they can claim for Healthy Start Vouchers which can be used to buy formula.”

Maternity units at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath still provide formula milk and bottle supplies.

Worthing Hospital also provides them but is considering changing its policy.

St Richard's Hospital in Chichester has the same policy as East Sussex Hospitals.

The change comes into force on Monday, in line with the launch of National Breastfeeding Week.