To Improve Breastfeeding Rates in U.S., Report Recommends Creating National Strategy, Enacting Paid Federal Family and Medical Leave

U.S. breastfeeding rates currently fall short of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and some breastfeeding until 12 months old, with introduction of complementary foods. They are also below the targets set in Healthy People 2030, a collection of national health objectives determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2030 aims for 42.4% of infants to be breastfed exclusively through their first six months, and for breastfeeding to continue through 12 months for at least 54.1% of infants. In reality, 27% of U.S. babies are exclusively breastfed through their first six months, and less than 40% are still receiving breast milk by 12 months of age.

The report acknowledges that individual infant feeding goals may differ from national recommendations, and that not all mothers choose to, or are able to, breastfeed exclusively or for an extended period. National guidelines are intended to improve health outcomes over time, not to impose a singular standard of behavior.

Breastfeeding rates are notably lower among certain groups, including Black women, Native American/Alaska Native women, women with lower socioeconomic status, unmarried women, women living in rural areas, and younger mothers. Many of these communities face barriers to breastfeeding, such as the need to return to work or school early or limited access to breastfeeding education and support services during the perinatal period.