Rates of breastfeeding in Australia by State and socio-economic status: Evidence from the 1995 National Health Survey

Objective: To estimate rates of breastfeeding in the first year of life in Australia, according to state and socio-economic status. Methodology: Analysis of data from the 1995 Australian National Health Survey. Results: Estimated breastfeeding rates are 81.8% on discharge from hospital. 57.1% fully breastfed at 3 months and 62.6% fully or partially breastfed at 3 months. Ar 6 months, it is estimated that 18.6% of babies are fully breastfed and 46.2% fully; or partially breastfed. Al 1 year, 21.2% of infants are receiving some breast milk. Comparison between states demonstrates that there is considerable variation in breastfeeding practice within Australia. Rates of breastfeeding also vary according to the socio-economic status of the geographic area in which the child is living, with it strong inverse relationship between rates of breast-feeding and socio-economic status. Conclusion: Australias target for breastfeeding in the year 2000 is to have 80% of babies at least partially breastfed for the first 6 months of lift. Although Australia has good rates of initiation of, breastfeeding, these levels are nor maintained over time. and it seems unlikely that we will reach the year 2000 targets.