3 Out Of 4 New Moms Breastfeeding

The CDC has released a new study showing a rise in the number of new moms who are choosing to breastfeed their babies. 77% of new moms are breastfeeding their newborns at birth, up from 60% in 1994. The greatest rise was seen among African-Americans who are now breastfeeding at a rate of 65%, up from just 36% in 1994. These are the highest rates of breastfeeding in at least 20 years. The rise is thought to be a product of the increase in information available to new moms about the benefits of breastfeeding, the increase in education through hospital-run breastfeeding classes, access to lactation consultants immediately after delivery, and a society that is becoming much more accepting and supportive of breastfeeding. The study found that breastfeeding was lowest among women who are unmarried, poor, rural, under 20 years old, and have a high school education or less. Women in these categories are less likely to have the support necessary to successfully breastfeed, have limited or no access to education material, and are less likely to be aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. The study is great news for all those newborns out there who now are much more likely to get the benefits of early breastfeeding. As our society continues to accept and support breastfeeding mothers hopefully the rates will continue to rise.