by Amy Spangler
April 01, 2009

Australian health agencies, like their counterparts in the U.S., recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with the introduction of solid foods around six months of age and continued breastfeeding for at least 12 months and beyond, as long as mother and child wish.

Despite this recommendation, the 2004 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children found that although 92 percent of newborns were initially breastfed, rates declined to 80 percent fully breastfeeding at one week, 56 percent fully breastfeeding at three months, and 14 percent fully breastfeeding at six months. (Data from the U.S. National Immunization Survey showed that exclusive breastfeeding rates among U.S. infants born during 2000-2004 were 30 percent at three months and 11 percent at six months.)

Recognizing that new mums and their families often need advice, Nicola Roxon, Minister for Health and Aging, launched a national breastfeeding helpline on March 20, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia. Funded by the Australian Government and coordinated by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), 1-800-mum-2-mum provides counseling services to breastfeeding mums and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline is staffed by 1,700 Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) volunteers. Truly an amazing group of dedicated women! To qualify as a counselor, volunteers must have breastfed at least one baby for nine months or more (sorry Dads) and completed the ABA breastfeeding counselor training program—a 12-month program designed to give counselors the knowledge and skill they need to assist breastfeeding mothers and babies.

In addition to the helpline, the Australian Government is developing a National Maternity Services Plan and a National Women’s Health Policy—the first since 1989. For free, confidential breastfeeding advice and support call 1-800-mum-2-mum(1-800-686-2686, toll-free from landlines in Australia).

For more information about breastfeeding, contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Unfortunately, ABA is unable to offer counseling services to residents of the United States or Canada for insurance reasons. Mothers in these countries are encouraged to contact La Leche League International for assistance.