Breastfeeding should continue until 12 months urge experts

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDDec 21 2011

According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare women who are breastfeeding are steadily becoming a smaller number. The report notes that only 40 per cent of mothers still exclusively breastfeed their babies at three months and 15 per cent of mothers are still breastfeeding at five months. This is despite health guidelines that recommend breastfeeding for the first six months.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare surveyed more than 28,000 parents, with the data to be fed into the national breastfeeding strategy.

According to the survey, the biggest reasons for using formula were wanting to share feeding with a partner (28.5 per cent) and the belief that it was as good as breast milk (26 per cent). Only 7.8 per cent of mothers said they used formula because they wanted to return to work. Almost 20 per cent said medical reasons stopped them from breastfeeding. About 16 per cent said they were not confident breastfeeding in public.

Despite this, 94 per cent think breastfeeding is healthier than bottle-feeding and two-thirds feel it's more convenient and strengthens bonds with their child. Before their child's birth nearly nine out of 10 mothers intended to breastfeed. Just over 90 per cent of babies were initially breastfed by their mothers. Older, educated and wealthier mums were more likely to breastfeed exclusively and for longer periods.

La Trobe University Mother and Child Health Research senior research fellow Dr Lisa Amir said she would still like to see more babies receiving breast milk at 12 months. “We are aiming for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, but any level of breastfeeding is encouraging,” she said.

Most said they stopped breastfeeding because of a lack of milk. “There will be a small proportion who do not have enough breast milk, but mostly it's about confidence and being supported to continue breastfeeding,” Dr Amir said. AIHW spokesman Mark Cooper-Stanbury said the survey also found about one third of babies were introduced to solids earlier than the recommended six months. Marjorie Atchan, a lactation expert from Sydney's Royal Hospital for Women, said the data showed the gap between perception and reality in breastfeeding.