Breastfeeding's healthy return (The Daily Telegraph)

MORE NSW mothers are keeping their babies off the bottle, with statistics showing a 10 per cent increase in breast-feeding rates across the state.

Data released to The Daily Telegraph yesterday showed more mothers are heeding the calls to breastfeed and less are giving their babies breast milk substitutes and solid foods before four and six months of age.

In 2004, 41 per cent of infants received breast milk substitutes before four months, compared with 46 per cent in 2001, while 49 per cent received breast milk substitutes before six months compared with 59 per cent in 2001.

"We know babies don't need solid food until six months of age and that has increased breast-feeding rates," Royal Hospital for Women clinical nurse consultant Joy Heads said.



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