I think Norway would have the best breastfeeding rate, shared with
Sweden, with no disrespect to the Aussies, who obviously are doing very
well.  Both countries have long, paid maternity leaves.  I believe they
are between 12 and 18 months.

Canada does not too badly.  Women get unemployment insurance rate of pay
for 26 weeks and the maternity leave is guaranteed by law.  An
interesting effect of this is illustrated in the experience of our
clinic:  One of the questions I have always asked mothers coming to the
clinic is how long they planned to breastfeed.  About 6 or 7 years ago,
the maternity leave in Canada went from 4 to 6 months.  Until then,
mothers answered, almost universally, 4 months.  Afterwards, 6 months.
Which shows that social policy *can* affect behaviour.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC