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 Surv ey. 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 br eastfed and 46.2% fully; or partially breastfed. Al 1 year, 21.2% of infant s are receiving some breast milk. Comparison between states demonstrates th at there is considerable variation in breastfeeding practice within Austral ia. Rates of breastfeeding also vary according to the socio-economic status of the geographic area in which the child is living, with it strong invers e 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 l evels are nor maintained over time. and it seems unlikely that we will reac h the year 2000 targets.