Aims of the strategy
The Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy guides Australian Government, and state, territory and local government policies and programs to effectively support parents and their babies throughout their breastfeeding journey.
It sets out a vision, objectives, principles, priority areas and action areas to provide a supportive and enabling environment for breastfeeding.
The strategy aims to:
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increase the number of babies who are breastfed
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ensure access to education, support and clinical care services
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increase the number of breastfeeding-friendly settings and environments
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strengthen regulation around the marketing of infant formula
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improve education and training for health professionals
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raise awareness of the significance of breastfeeding.
How we developed the strategy
We worked with the state and territory governments to develop the strategy on behalf of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council through:
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the Breastfeeding Jurisdictional Officials Group
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a breastfeeding expert reference group.
In developing the strategy, we:
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held consultations with stakeholders and the community.
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reviewed research on effective ways to support breastfeeding.
Previous strategies
The previous strategy (2010 to 2015) was developed following the 2007 Parliamentary Inquiry into the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding.
It resulted in significant national achievements, including:
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recognition of the need for a policy paper on donor human milk banking in Australia
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the first large-scale Australian National Infant Feeding Survey – the results report was based on a draft set of national breastfeeding indicators
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funding for the Australian Breastfeeding Association until June 2023 to provide breastfeeding information and support services to more than 80,000 mothers each year
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national support for public and private hospitals to implement the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding from the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Health Initiative
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the development of the National Framework for Universal Child and Family Health Services.
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