Breastfeeding

Human milk is the appropriate nutrition for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding with appropriate introduction of solids at 6 months reduces the risk of many illnesses and chronic diseases. The Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding goals are to increase to 75% the proportion of women who initiate breastfeeding, to 50% the proportion of women who are breastfeeding at 6 months, and to 25% the proportion of women who breastfeed for 1 year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, followed by the timely introduction of appropriate complementary foods, and continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond.

Despite documentation and public knowledge of the health, social, and economic benefits of breastfeeding and recommendations from numerous organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, and the WHO, breastfeeding incidence, exclusivity, and duration are well below the goals identified in Healthy People 2010. National data also reveal disparities in breastfeeding practices, primarily associated with economic and education status. The primary demographic factors associated with not breastfeeding or breastfeeding for a short duration include being nonwhite, poor, unmarried, or younger than 25; completing 12 or less years of education; and living in the southeastern United States. To improve breastfeeding practices and to reduce existing disparities in infant and young child feeding, interventions need to target not only individuals but also organizations and communities.