Media Release:

One-quarter of Australians deem public breastfeeding 'unacceptable'

A Newspoll survey has found more than one-in-four Australians view breastfeeding in public as unacceptable; adults 18 - 24 were least supportive, up to 36 per cent consider breastfeeding in a cafe or at work as unacceptable.

Just 29 per cent of the 1000 males and females surveyed, strongly agreed that women should be encouraged to breastfeed publicly, yet, 65 per cent of people believe breastfed babies have a better chance of surviving their first twelve months,

Dr Jennifer James, RMIT University Lecturer in Midwifery and Breastfeeding & Human Lactation and Vice President of the Australian Lactation Consultants' Association who commissioned the research said that despite efforts of health professionals encouraging mothers to breastfeed, unsympathetic attitudes towards breastfeeding remain in workplaces and other public spaces.

"It's unacceptable to expect that women should be locked inside their houses to breastfeed. Part of the issue why young mothers wean their babies too early is societal pressure and isolation from other mothers experiencing the same difficulties," Dr James said.

The Australian Lactation Consultants' Association, a not-for-profit group responsible for the protection and promotion of breastfeeding, isn't surprised that young adults are the least accepting of breastfeeding.

"Australia needs a paradigm shift and it has to start in our schools with education that normalises breastfeeding and prevents young adults being shocked or embarrassed," Dr James said.

When asked how long babies should be breastfed; 34 per cent stated six months was enough, 39 per cent answered 12 months and only 10 per selected two years.

"While nearly 90 percent of Australian women initiate breastfeeding, one per cent of Australian children are breastfed for the minimum duration recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO)."

"The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and continuing for up to two years while solids are introduced."

"Research shows that breastfed babies have a lower risk of cot death, decreased likelihood of developing allergies, and have a lower risk of developing diabetes or becoming obese," Dr Jennifer James said.

Other key findings from the report include:

• 65 per cent of people believe breast milk improves the babies chances of surviving its first twelve months compared to just 3 per cent who selected formula
• 22 per cent of people believe that when it comes to improving the babies chances of survival in the first twelve months there's no difference between breast milk or formula
• A church was the most unacceptable place to breast fed (29%), followed by work (27%), cafe or restaurant (26%) and a shopping centre (19%). Only 3 per cent of people found breastfeeding unacceptable at a friend's house.
• 60 per cent of males and females either agreed or strongly agreed that babies develop a stronger bond to their mother when breast fed
• 57 per cent of respondents believe hospitals should create milk banks for mothers who are unable to provide breast milk to their babies

Health professionals from across Australia and overseas will be meeting in Canberra from the 4 - 6th of September for the ALCA National conference Breastfeeding: A key public health issue.

Mum Zone Release Date: 1st September 2009

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