The World Health Organization recommends exclusive* breastfeeding for babies to 6 months of age, and thereafter for breastfeeding to continue alongside suitable complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond.

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around 6-8 months and then for breastfeeding to continue alongside complementary food until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.

Australian breastfeeding statistics indicate we are falling well short of the above recommendations.

Statistics from the 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey results indicate that:

— 96% of mothers initiate breastfeeding. Thereafter, exclusive breastfeeding rates drop off.

— 39% of babies are still being exclusively breastfed at 3 months

— 15% of babies are still being exclusively breastfed at 5 months

Thereafter, statistics from The 2006-2007 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children study show that:

— at 12 months, 28% of children were still being breastfed;

— at 18 months, 9% of children;

— and at 24 months, 5% were still being breastfed.

*Exclusive breastfeeding means that the baby receives only breastmilk. No other liquids, formula or solids are given – not even water – with the exception of an oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.