Breastfeeding rates
December 21, 2011
AUSTRALIAN mothers are
breastfeeding their newborn
infants in high rates, however this
practice does not continue as long
as recommended, according to a
new report released by the AIHW.
The Australian National Infant
Feeding Survey: Indicator results
found that although 96% of
Australian infants commence
breastfeeding, only 15% of babies
are fed solely breastmilk to around
six months as recommended by
Australian dietary guidelines.
The survey also found that 61%
of infants were exclusively
breastfed for less than one month,
with this figure progressively
decreasing to just 15% at around
six months of age.
The main reasons cited for
breastfeeding by mothers
included: ‘healthier for child’ and
‘convenient’; whilst the main
reasons cited for not breastfeeding
included ‘wanting to share feeding
responsibilities with their partner’,
‘previously unsuccessful experiences’,
and that ‘formula was as good as
breastmilk’.
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