Monday 30 July 2012, 3:15PM
Media release from Plunket
Plunket's latest figures on breastfeeding, released ahead of World
Breastfeeding week, show New Zealand's breastfeeding rates for 2011
and 2012 are the highest they've been in 19 years.
Plunket clinical advisor Marianne Grant says that the figures are
great news for New Zealand.
"Breastfeeding rates in New Zealand are definitely improving.
Currently 85 per cent of babies up to the age of six weeks are
getting some breast milk, a 5 per cent increase over the last 10
years. That may not sound all that big but it represents a
significant number of babies", she says.
The statistics only represent Plunket clients, who make up of 90
percent of New Zealand's newborn babies. Plunket has been keeping
breastfeeding statistics for 90 years - since 1922.
"It's a wonderful record to have - it gives us a really clear
picture of breastfeeding trends in New Zealand for almost a
century. 1968 and 1969 had the lowest rates - with just 47 per cent
of babies up to the age of 6 weeks being breastfed - so significant
strides have been made since then", says Ms Grant.
"Deciding to breastfeed your baby is one of the most positive steps
you can take towards ensuring they get the best start in life.
There are so many benefits for both mother and baby".
"The goal is to see more babies being exclusively breastfed for
longer and extending the duration of breastfeeding. In order for
this to happen breastfeeding mothers need a supportive
environment.
"The support of the mother's partner and her family are known to be
strong factors in whether - and for how long - she will breastfeed.
Breastfeeding friendly workplaces and Paid Parental Leave are also
key factors. We all need to continue to provide mothers with
supportive environments so they can breastfeed for longer".
Plunket supports the World Health Organization's recommendation
that babies are fed only breast milk for the first six months.
After six months other suitable complementary foods should be added
to a baby's diet, with breastfeeding ideally continuing until the
child reaches two years of age.
For support, information or advice about breastfeeding contact your
local Plunket nurse or call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 - 24 hours, 7
days a week.