Breastfeeding Rates in the U.S.
The infant formula industry agrees with the AAP and other leading medical organizations that breast milk is the ideal form of infant nutrition. The infant formula industry supports breastfeeding as the gold standard of infant nutrition and strongly supports the positive, accurate promotion of breastfeeding. We are pleased that, through a concerted effort by the health community, government and industry, breastfeeding rates in the United States have hit their highest mark in 20 years. More than three-quarters (77%) of new mothers are nursing their infants, according to a government report issued in May 2008, which exceeds the Healthy People 2010 target of 75%.
Participation in WIC
More than half of all U.S. women who have babies participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Breastfeeding rates for WIC participants have been significantly lower than for non-participants since the program's inception. Participation in the WIC program is a contributing factor to breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in the U.S.