A Comparison of Breastfeeding Rates by Country

Ever wonder how breastfeeding rates compare from country to country? Following are graphics showing breastfeeding rates in Australia, Canada, Sweden, the UK, and the US from 2004-2009. Click on the graphic to see a larger version.

For each country, I charted the year for which the most recent data was available. I’ll be happy to add graphics for additional countries if you provide me with a link to the breastfeeding data in the comments.

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A little explanation of the numbers here…

“Any Breastmilk” – Baby receives any amount of breastmilk. This could be anything between exclusive breastfeeding and being put to the breast once. Baby may be receiving other foods or liquids.
“Complementary Breastmilk” – Baby receives both breastmilk and other foods/liquids (which could include formula, juice, solid foods, teas, water, etc.).
“Exclusive Breastmilk” – Baby receives breastmilk only – no water, tea, formula, juice, cereal, solid foods, etc. Baby can receive drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines) and still be considered exclusively breastfed. Most babies are ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age, so the extent of exclusive breastfeeding is not often measured past 6 months.
Breastmilk includes the mother’s own milk (either at the breast or expressed) and/or another mother’s milk (including banked milk, other donor milk, or wet nursing)

5/26/12 Update: Graphics added for Ireland and Norway.