More mums breastfeeding

More mothers are opting to breastfeed their babies, according to Plunket's latest figures, which show that over the past six years, there has been a five per cent rise in the number of babies being fed exclusively on breast milk in the first six months.

Rates for Pacific and Maori babies have improved with an increase of five per cent more babies being breastfed exclusively in the first four months. Pacific babies being fed at least some breastmilk showing a slight rise.

Plunket Clinical advisor Allison Jamieson says the support of a mother's partner is known to be a strong factor in whether a baby is breastfed and backing from family and the workplace are also important.

Ms Jamieson says ideally all babies would be breast fed at least until they started eating solids at six months, with it then continuing for a another two years.

- NEWSTALK ZB