As World Breastfeeding Week begins, it’s clear that many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, nearly half of infants under 6 months worldwide are exclusively breastfed, but in the United States, the rates are lower.
Challenges in Breastfeeding
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Survey-Child data for infants born in 2022–2023 show that approximately 85.7% to 86.1% of infants were ever breastfed, but only 27.9% to 29.8% were exclusively breastfed through 6 months. About 1 in 4 U.S. infants meets the exclusive breastfeeding recommendation at 6 months.
The World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, and CDC recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding until the child is 2 years of age or beyond. However, factors such as issues with lactation and latching, concerns about infant weight and nutrition, return to work without adequate support, and limited maternity leave can influence the duration of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mothers and children, including lower risks of asthma, obesity, and type 1 diabetes in children, and reduced risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes in mothers.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
