February 22, 2013
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Breast-feeding rates on the rise

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The percentage of women breast-feeding their infants is rising, according to findings in a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Researchers analyzed National Immunization Survey (NIS) data to understand the trends during 2000 to 2008 and differences in breast-feeding initiation and duration overall and among black, white and Hispanic infants born in 2000 and 2008.

Among infants born in 2000, survey data revealed that 70.3% had ever breast-fed, 34.5% breast-fed for 6 months, and 16% breast-fed for 12 months. In 2008, the amounts increased to 74.6%, 44.4% and 23.4%. In 2000, prevalence of breast-feeding initiation among blacks was 47.4%, 71.8% among whites, and 77.6% among Hispanics. In 2008, the amounts increased to 58.9%, 75.2% and 80%.

Researchers said fewer than half of the infants in the survey were still breast-feeding at 6 months, which indicates that women who choose to breast-feed their infants need support to continue breast-feeding.

White infants still being breast-fed at age 6 months increased from 38.2% in 2000 to 46.6% in 2008. The numbers also increased for blacks and Hispanics, 16.9% to 30.1%, and 34.6% to 45.2%, respectively. Breast-feeding through age 12 months increased from 17.1% in 2000 to 24.3% in 2008 among whites, 6.3% to 12.5% among blacks and 18.2% to 26.3% among Hispanics.

Data show that breast-feeding initiation and prevalence were significantly lower among black infants compared with white and Hispanic infants, but the gap between black and white mothers who attempt breast-feeding narrowed from 24.4% in 2000 to 16.3% in 2008.

Characteristics associated with lower breast-feeding prevalence among women include younger age, lower income, less maternal education and unmarried status. Racial and ethnic differences in breast-feeding persist even when accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status and maternal education, according to CDC.

“This might indicate that black women are more likely to encounter unsupportive cultural norms, perceptions that breast-feeding is inferior to formula feeding, lack of partner support, and an unsupportive work environment,” Jessica A. Allen, MPH, and colleagues from CDC said in the report. “All breast-feeding women need support, but specific interventions might be needed among populations with lower breast-feeding prevalence.”

Researchers said the 2011 Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding outlines a number of actions aimed at increased society support for women who choose to breast-feed. The report suggests communities, employers, health care providers, governments and nonprofit organizations implement strategies to support breast-feeding, such as increasing support to nonprofit organizations that promote breast-feeding in minority communities and increasing the number of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants from minority communities.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.