Breastfeeding is the Gold Standard
by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD MSN RN IBCLC AHN-BC CHT
According to the latest U.S. data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2018) most infants receive some breastmilk, but most are not exclusively breastfed or are not breastfed for as long as the mother desires. There continues to be a considerable variation between states or regions in the U.S. with the far northeast and northwest sections having the highest rates of infants breastfed at 6 months, and the southeast U.S. with the lowest rates. Disparities exist between socioeconomic levels, and between non-Hispanic black women and non-Hispanic white and Hispanic women. The most common reasons to stop breastfeeding early are issues with lactation / latching, concerns about nutrition, medications, unsupportive work environment, cultural or family norms, and unsupportive hospitals. Please view our journal to read the full article, and other articles in this quarter’s International Journal of Childbirth Education. You must be logged in to your account to view the Journal.
