Recommendations and policy
Australian Recommendations
In Australia, it is recommended that infants are exclusively breastfed until around 6 months of age when solid foods are introduced, and that breastfeeding is continued until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.1
World Health Organization Recommendations
As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.2
Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015
The Australian National Breastfeeding strategy3 has examined and documented evidence for the most effective strategies in breastfeeding promotion and protection. Most of the evidence is from overseas, however is still relevant to Australia. Read the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy.
Tasmanian Food and Nutrition Policy
In Tasmania, the breastfeeding focus area in the Tasmanian Food and Nutrition Policy4 remains a relevant framework to guide action and investment for breastfeeding promotion and support. What we need now is financial investment to implement these strategies. To access a copy of the Tasmanian Food and Nutrition Policy visit: View a copy of the Tasmanian Food and Nutrition Policy
[1] National Health and Medical Research Council 2013. Infant Feeding Guidelines. Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council.
[2] World Health Organisation. Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. 2002 (cited 15 October 2013).
[3] Australian Health Ministers' Conference 2009, The Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra.
[4] Tasmanian Government, 2004. Tasmanian Food and Nutrition Policy. http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/food_safety
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Breastfeeding is recommended for the first 12 months and beyond in Australia
Are you a parent needing help?
Click here to visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website for information and support
