The aim of this survey was aimed to determine current breast-feeding and in
fant-feeding practices among a community of urban indigenous Australians in
Brisbane, the largest city of Queensland, in Australia. In mid-1998, a que
stionnaire was administered to 61 mothers with infants up to the age of 2 y
ears. Breast-feeding had been initiated by 59% (95% CI: 46.7-71.3) of the m
others; however, by 4 months after birth only 24.6% (95% CI: 13.8-35.4) of
the mothers were breast-feeding. Only 19.7% (95% CI: 9.7-29.7) of the infan
ts were solely breast-fed during their first 4 months of life. Of the infan
ts in the survey who were older than 6 months, only 25% (95% CI: 18.2-31.8)
had been introduced to solid food after 6 months. The current diet of 80%
(95% CI: 44.9-100) of infants aged 4-6 months and 37.5% (95% CI: 13.8-61.2)
of infants aged 0-3 months included solids. This survey has indicated the
need to appropriately promote breast-feeding as the best source of nutritio
n for new babies. The initiation rate of breast-feeding is low compared wit
h other Australian rural indigenous and urban indigenous communities. Barri
ers to continued breast-feeding should also be addressed, as well as approp
riate weaning practices.