Breast is still regarded as best, in New Zealand, but breastfeeding advocates say there is still more to be done.
The country's rate of breastfeeding is comparatively high in relation to other developed OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.
Indeed, the Plunket Society reports that in New Zealand, in June 2011, 85% of babies aged between two and six weeks, who were seen by a plunket nurse, were breastfed.
However, there has been little or no improvement in the rate of breastfeeding in New Zealand in the past 10 years, which is why global initiatives such as World Breastfeeding Week are important, says long serving Dunedin La Leche League leader Anne Devereux.
It is recommended that babies are breastfed exclusively until at least six months of age because there are numerous benefits, including the fact that breast milk is always fresh, readily available and just the right temperature.
A mother who has a healthy diet will provide her baby with the perfect blend of nutrients and antibodies, which can help protect against ear, chest and urine infections and potentially serious diseases such as meningitis.
Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy; it also assists babies in developing physically and emotionally. It can protect children from chronic stomach problems, some childhood cancers and there is evidence there can be a reduced risk of eczema and asthma.
However, some women find they are unable to breastfeed, others may simply choose not to. From Devereux's 40 years' experience as a La Leche League leader she has found most women who are physically able to breastfeed, begin with a desire to do so, but can find their "reality clashes with their expectations".
Difficulties can arise if women find they have a low or over-supply of milk, they may experience pain from mastitis, engorged breasts or sore nipples. Some women may struggle if their baby is born with a cleft lip or palate or they are tongue-tied. Others may find they do not have support from their partner or family.
For those who make the choice not to breastfeed they may do so because they feel they won't be able to enjoy a normal social life, that they won't get their pre-baby bodies back, be able to return to work or they may associate their breasts with sex.
Devereux believes many of the difficulties and misconceptions about breastfeeding can be overcome with the right support and education.
"I'm passionate about women having information and support so that they can make the decision that's right for them and I truly think that many women having their first baby don't have enough information about breastfeeding."
As far as education and support in the Otago region goes, there are many groups and organisations available to ensure women receive all the help they need.
The La Leche League offers support through its accredited leaders who are there to help mothers either in person or via phone or email. They hold regular group meetings, so mothers can share their experiences and concerns. More than 30 women around Otago have recently undertaken a breastfeeding peer counsellor programme, which trains mothers to take a lead within their own communities.
The Ministry Of Health's Healthy Eating-Healthy Action programme has recently started free antenatal breastfeeding classes. There is also a free lactation consultant available at Queen Mary Maternity Centre, at Dunedin Hospital, and a new breastfeeding support group is starting in late August at The Hub in South Dunedin.
Jill Moore, a Community Karitane worker at Dunedin's Plunket Family Centre, is a breastfeeding specialist who has years of experience as a lactation consultant at Queen Mary. She says she often finds mothers having their second babies will come straight from Queen Mary to Plunket because they know that they will receive ongoing support until their child is five years old. Moore, like Devereux, is passionate about breastfeeding and about women making the choice that is right for them.
"I'm very open-minded and know that there are women who come through this door who are never going to be able to exclusively breastfeed their babies ... What I like to say is I walk alongside women with whatever their situation is and I don't generalise. I see each mother-baby unit as unique," Moore says.
• BREAST IS BEST
World Breastfeeding Week is a global initiative uniting more than 170 countries in an effort to protect, promote and support breastfeeding communities worldwide. It runs from August 1-7.
• LATCH ON
The event involves mothers nursing their babies simultaneously in one location, in an attempt to break the world record for the largest simultaneous breast-feeding event. The Big Latch On 2011 is taking place on August 5 at 10.30am at Wall Street Mall, Dunedin. Registration starts at 9.45am.
• MORE INFO
For more information or if you require support with breastfeeding visit lalecheleague.org.nz or plunket.org.nz. Local breastfeeding support information, including how to access free antenatal breastfeeding classes, is available on www.southerndhb.govt.nz/heha