Rates of breastfeeding in Australia by state and socioeconomic 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 socioeconomic status.


METHODS
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 three months and 62.6% fully or partially breastfed at three months. At six months, it is estimated that 18.6% of babies are fully breastfed and 46.2% fully or partially breastfed. At one year, 21.2% of infants are receiving some breastmilk. Comparison between states demonstrates that there is considerable variation in breastfeeding practice within Australia. Rates of breastfeeding also vary according to the socioeconomic status of the geographic area in which the child is living, with a strong inverse relationship between rates of breastfeeding and socioeconomic status.


CONCLUSIONS
Australia's target for breastfeeding in the year 2000 is to have 80% of babies at least partially breastfed for the first six months of life. Although Australia has good rates of initiation of breastfeeding these levels are not maintained over time, and it seems unlikely that we will reach the year 2000 targets.
Donath
S
S
Key Centre for Women's Health, University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston St, Carlton 3053, Australia.
Amir
L H
LH
D001315:Australia; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors