Few mothers meet breastfeeding goals, study shows

Only 14 percent of U.S. mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the minimum recommended six months, according to government data released on Thursday.

New state-by-state statistics show that Oregon has the highest rate of mothers meeting the minimum standards, but even there just 25 percent are able to give their babies breast milk and nothing else for six months, the report shows.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and most other experts recommend that mothers give their babies breast milk only - no formula, juice or solid food - until they are six months old.

Studies have shown that when babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life they grow better without getting too fat, are less likely to develop infections and may keep those benefits through childhood.

The recommendations add that mothers should, if possible, breastfeed babies until they are two years old but at the very least for a full year, adding juice, formula and solid food to suit the baby's appetite.

"There are many benefits from breastfeeding and we want to encourage new and expectant moms across the country to nurse their babies if at all possible," said Donna Stroup, acting director of CDC's Coordinating Center for Health Promotion.

"With this new information, state health departments can compare the breastfeeding rates in their states and communities to national objectives. The information will help agencies concentrate their efforts where they are most needed and develop targeted programs to promote breastfeeding."

The new breastfeeding data were gathered as part of CDC's 2003 National Immunization Survey, a survey of mothers in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

In only six states - Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington - do mothers meet all of the CDC's health goals, with 75 percent of new mothers at least trying to breastfeed, 50 percent breastfeeding at least in part for six months and 25 percent for 12 months.

Lower-income mothers and black mothers were the least likely to breastfeed.

"It's important for new and expectant mothers to know that breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and young babies. It's inexpensive, convenient, and it's uniquely tailored to meet all of a baby's nutritional needs for the first six months of life," said Dr. William Dietz, director of CDC's division of nutrition and physical activity.

"Also, breastfed babies tend to gain less unnecessary weight that can contribute to overweight and obesity later in life."