Breastfeeding Coalition Tasmania

The economic case for promoting breastfeeding is overwhelming.

Contribution to the economy

In Australia, current breast milk production levels exceed $3 billion annually¹. The value of human milk production equals between 5-7% of food consumption¹. There is an estimated loss in economic value of $4billion in Australia due to premature weaning¹.

Cost of not breastfeeding

Not breastfeeding led to estimated costs of $1-2 million to the hospital system in the Australian Capital Territory ('95-'96) due to four conditions – gastrointestinal illness, respiratory illness, eczema and necrotising enterocolitis.²

Savings to the health care system

A recent US analysis found that if 90% of families could exclusively breastfeed for the recommended 6 months, US$13 billion per year could be saved and 911 deaths prevented.¹

Health outcomes of breastfeeding

Protective effects of breastfeeding in infancy reduce the risk of illness and may extend to later life, with reduced risks of obesity and chronic disease.

Work and productivity

Mothers who do not breastfeed have more days off work to care for sick children.

The economic importance of breastfeeding is largely due to health outcomes for both mother and child. Artificial feeding is associated with increased health risks. In developed countries, it is estimated that babies not breastfed have twice the likelihood of illness than breastfed babies. These illnesses cost individuals emotionally, physically and escalate health care costs. Breastfeeding reduces the health system costs for the community.

[1] Smith J "Lost Milk?" : Counting the Economic Value of Breast Milk in Gross Domestic Product.  Journal of Human Lactation published online 12 July 2013.

[2] Smith J, Thompson J and Ellwood D. Hospital system costs of artificial infant feeding: estimates for the Australian Capital Territory. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 2002;26:6.