Status: Improving
Most Recent Data:
27.2
percent
(2021)
Target:
42.4
percent
Desired Direction:
Increase desired
Baseline:
24.9
percent of infants born in 2015 were breastfed exclusively through 6 months of age
Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed exclusively through 6 months of age
Summary
Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk for many illnesses in children and mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is linked to health benefits for infants. Although breastfeeding initiation rates are high in the United States, most women don’t breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months. Strategies like peer support, education, longer maternity leaves, and breastfeeding support in the hospital, workplace, and community may help more women breastfeed exclusively.
Workgroup: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Workgroup
