Infant-feeding practices in Western Australia and Tasmania: a joint survey, 1984-1985

A joint survey of infant-feeding practices that was carried out in Western Australia and Tasmania in 1984-1985 showed a continuing trend back to breast-feeding in both States. In Western Australia and Tasmania, 86% and 81% of mothers, respectively, were breast-feeding their babies on hospital discharge. Forty-five per cent of all mothers were still breast-feeding at six months. The social rank of the family had a significant effect on both the prevalence of breast-feeding and on the length of lactation: more mothers in the higher social groups breast-fed their infants, and for longer periods than did mothers of lower social groups. Few infants were introduced to solid foods before three months of age; however, solid and non-milk foods were introduced earlier to infants who were fed artificially than those who were breast-fed.