According to a new CDC report, in 2007 75% of babies were breastfed to some degree in the first few weeks of life. However, this number drops to 43% by 6 months of age. That is 43% of babies receiving at least some breastmilk, not exclusively breastfeeding (that is 13%). These numbers have not increased in recent years. These numbers likely remain low due to a lack of breastfeeding information, education and preparation for mothers, and a lack of breastfeeding education and support in the hospital and after discharge. I have heard numerous stories in recent years of mothers who were encouraged to give up breastfeeding when any little difficulty or problem was encountered. Most of these problems could have been easily solved. Breastfeeding rates in Georgia remain on the low end of the spectrum, as can be seen in the chart below. Our practice remains committed to encouraging breastfeeding, supporting and helping moms who are breastfeeding, and increasing breastfeeding rates in our community. Breastfeeding is by far one of the greatest things that can be done to improve the health of children (and to a lesser degree their mothers).
Percent of children who are breastfed at 6 months of age (born in 2007):
