- Eight out of 10 babies start breastfeeding from birth, CDC reports
- That’s up from 7.6 in 10 from the year before, officials hail progress
- But half are still doing so at 6 months, a third are doing so at 1 year
Mia De Graaf For Dailymail.com
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More mothers are breastfeeding in America – but too many quit early.
That is according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which marks progress after years of public health campaigns insisting breast is best.
In 2013, eight out of 10 newborns started out breastfeeding, the report shows – up from 7.6 in 10 the year before.
But only half of infants still breastfeed at six months, as advised.
And fewer than one-third (30.7 per cent) are breastfed at 12 months.
In 2013, eight out of 10 newborns started out breastfeeding, the report shows – up from 7.6 in 10 the year before. But only half of infants still breastfeed at six months, as advised
‘We are pleased by the large number of mothers who start out breast-feeding their infants,’ Dr Ruth Petersen, director of CDC’s division of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity, said.
‘Mothers can better achieve their breast-feeding goals with active support from their families, friends, communities, clinicians, health care leaders, employers and policymakers.’
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first six months.
After that, mothers should breastfeed along with other foods until their baby reaches one year old.
Then it is up to the mother and baby, but it is no longer essential.
There are a number of reasons pediatricians say breast is best.
Breastfeeding protects babies against breathing illnesses, ear infections, stomach bugs and allergies.
The rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is reduced by more than one-third in breast-fed babies.
And studies show breastfeeding drives down obesity rates in later life.
A mother’s natural milk contains zinc, which is needed for the body’s defensive – immune – system to properly work.
It plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste.
During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also enhances the action of insulin.
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