Nutrition is essential to the health and development of infants and children. Breastfeeding
is superior to infant formula feeding hecause in addition to breastmilk's nutritional
advantages, it protects against infections through specific and non-specific immune factors
and has long-term consequences for metabolism and disease later in life. the objectives of
this paper are to summarise the epidemiological and other scientific evidence in support of
breastfeeding, to clarify why breastmilk is a betterfoodfor infants than infantformula and
to demonstrate support for further breastfeeding initiatives in Australia.
7here is much epidemiological evidence for the benefits of hreastfeeding to the human
infant against a wide range of illnesses and infections. Other scientific evidence for
breastfeeding has demonstrated specific nutritional components that provide immunologic
protection and beneficial effects on intestinal flora. Human milk enhances the immature
immunologic system of the neonate and strengthens host defence mechanisms against
infective and otherfo~eign agents. Mechanisms to explain active stimulation ofthe infant's
immune system by breastfeeding are through bioactive factors in human milk. Following
breastfeeding termination there may be prolonged protection against infections due to
influences on the infant immune system mediated via human milk.
World-wide initiatives have been established to promote breastfeeding and curb the use
ofinfantformula. Primari~y the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative promotes the Ten Steps to
Successful Breastfeeding and should be implemented in all maternity services in Australia.
7here is enough evidence to support further breastfeeding health promotion initiatives
in Australia to ensure that all hospitals become 'baby friendly', that all mothers are
encouraged and supported to commence breastfeeding and that there is adequate
community support for mothers to continue exclusive breastfeedingfor at least the first six
months of life.