This data is obtained from “ A summary of violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant WHA Resolutions in 2011 – 2012.”
“In Alberta breastfeeding initiation rates were 92.7% in 2005, 92% in 2007/2008, and 90.8% in 2009/2010.
In Calgary (pop. 1m) in 2012 exclusivity drops precipitously to 44% at first public health visit.
Although 2009/2010 statistics show exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months or more in Alberta to be 29%, in Edmonton (pop. 800 000) exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was at 9% in 2008.
The initiation drop off and relatively low exclusive breastfeeding rates are largely attributable to aggressive marketing in the public realm and in hospitals.
Mothers do not get sufficient breastfeeding support and receive instead advice on formula feeding against a background of formula supplementation during their hospital stay where as many as 47.9%4 of infants receive formula milk.
These are recognized risk factors for early breastfeeding cessation.”