Almost two-thirds of Melton infants are not being adequately breast-fed, according to a new report.
The Dental Health Services Victoria report says the Melton council area has the lowest rate (37 per cent) of “fully breast-fed infants” in the state.
Australian Breastfeeding Association spokeswoman Jessica Leonard said many mothers faced breastfeeding challenges.
“There are many reasons why breast-feeding may be difficult . . . [lack of] antenatal education, postnatal support from health professionals and community-based support from other parents,” she said.
“Many mums tell us that the first time they ever see a baby being breast-fed is when their own baby is born. This can certainly make things difficult when trying to learn a skill they have never seen performed.”
The report, which looks at Melton’s overall health, shows the area as among the worst in the state for smoking, soft- drink consumption and brushing teeth. It revealed:
■ 21 per cent of residents drink soft drink every day, (worst in the state);
■ 59 per cent of adolescents brush their teeth twice a day, second lowest in the state;
■ 55 per cent of residents don’t meet fruit and vegetable guidelines; and
■ 22 per cent of adults in Melton smoke, the second-worst in the state.
Acting chief executive of Djerriwarrh Health Services David Grace said there had been a worrying increase in serious tooth decay, especially in children seeking treatment at Melton Health’s public dental clinic.
“Staff have noticed that many children consume a large variety of high-energy drinks and high-sugar fruit juices,” he said. “This is a contributing factor to the high level of tooth decay in children.”
