Plunket Breastfeeding Data Analysis

This breastfeeding research paper analyses Plunket breastfeeding data from 2004-2009. It examines these data nationally as well as by ethnicity deprivation level and District Health Board. While Plunket currently has the best breastfeeding data in New Zealand, 10% of children in New Zealand are not currently utilising the Plunket service therefore these children are not included in the dataset.

Download Plunket Breastfeeding Data Analysis 2004 - 2009 PDF 28 pages, 1800KB

Research summary

• Over time there has been an increase in Exclusive breastfeeding, but when this is combined with Full breastfeeding there has been no significant change.
• Māori and Pacific people have lower breastfeeding rates than other ethnicities. These disparities between Māori and Pacific and other ethnic groups are not improving over time.
• The higher the deprivation level, the less likely it is that the infant is exclusively breastfed.
• Only Northland achieved the Ministry of Health’s 2005 breastfeeding targets across all ages.
• Counties Manukau has the lowest rates of breastfeeding across all ages.

Why is this research important?

This research is important as breastfeeding has multiple health benefits for the New Zealand population. This research shows who is breastfeeding and who is less likely to breastfeed - therefore it enables an analysis of the breastfeeding population. From this, services, policy analysts, breastfeeding advocates can examine how to further improve breastfeeding rates among the general and sub-group populations.

Who might be interested in this research?

Parents, policy analysts, child and maternal service providers, media, students, lecturers.

If you require more detailed information, please contact Brenda Hynes, Manager Information Development. There may be a charge for this information.