Has breastfeeding increased or decreased in the US?

The Evolution of Breastfeeding Rates in the United States
Breastfeeding practices in the United States have undergone significant fluctuations over the past century, reflecting broader societal changes, public health initiatives, and evolving attitudes toward maternal and infant health.
Historical Context and Trends
In the early 1900s, breastfeeding was nearly universal among American mothers. However, by the mid-20th century, rates began to decline sharply, influenced by the rise of formula feeding and changing societal norms. This decline continued through the 1950s and 1960s, reaching a low point in the early 1980s when breastfeeding rates were at their nadir .
The tide began to turn in the late 20th century as public health campaigns emerged, emphasizing the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. These initiatives were partly a response to the alarming rates of infant mortality linked to inadequate nutrition. By the 1970s, breastfeeding rates began to rise again, peaking in the early 1980s. However, this peak was followed by another decline, which persisted into the late 1990s.
Recent Developments and Current Trends
In recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable resurgence in breastfeeding practices. Data indicates that the average duration of breastfeeding increased from 12.6 weeks for births before January 2020 to 14.8 weeks for those occurring during the pandemic. This shift may be attributed to heightened awareness of health and nutrition during the pandemic, as well as increased support for breastfeeding from healthcare providers.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant increase in the percentage of births in hospitals that implemented recommended maternity care practices supporting breastfeeding, rising from 3.8% in 2010 to 28.9% in 2021. This change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of creating supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers.
Barriers and Disparities
Despite these positive trends, challenges remain. Racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates persist, with certain communities facing barriers that hinder breastfeeding initiation and duration. For instance, targeted educational efforts that involve fathers have shown promise in increasing breastfeeding rates among African American families, highlighting the critical role of family dynamics in feeding practices.
Conclusion
Overall, breastfeeding rates in the United States have seen a complex trajectory, marked by periods of decline and resurgence. The current trend suggests a gradual increase in both the initiation and duration of breastfeeding, bolstered by public health initiatives and changing societal attitudes. However, addressing the disparities and barriers that still exist will be crucial in ensuring that all mothers have the support they need to breastfeed successfully.

Why did milk supply suddenly decrease?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

Why does no one breastfeed anymore?

Continuing to breastfeed is a challenge for many mums, even if they’re well aware of the guidelines and benefits, and have the best intentions. It’s not always easy, and if their baby isn’t attaching properly they can end up with cracked, bleeding or sore nipples and mastitis.

Who statistics on breastfeeding?

About 44% of infants 0–6 months old are exclusively breastfed. Few children receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods; in many countries less than a fourth of infants 6–23 months of age meet the criteria of dietary diversity and feeding frequency that are appropriate for their age.

Which state has the lowest breastfeeding rate?

Marked geographic disparities were also apparent in breastfeeding prevalence at 6 months, with Louisiana and Mississippi having the lowest estimates of 17% and 20%, respectively, whereas Utah (55%) and Oregon (56%) had the highest estimates.

When did breastfeeding become less popular?

Decline and resurgence in the 20th and 21st centuries. Breastfeeding in the Western world declined significantly from the late 1800s to the 1960s. One of the causes was an increased reliance on pasteurized milk and baby formula products, which were regarded as acceptable substitutes by upwardly mobile mothers.

What percentage of US moms breastfeed?

The weighted study cohort represented an estimated 7,426,725 birthing individuals in forty-three states and DC. While 12.6% of the sample population never breastfed, 87.4% initiated breastfeeding, 60.4% reported breastfeeding at 3 months or time of survey, and 54.7% at 3 months or time of survey.

Why has breastfeeding become more popular in the United States?

These data suggest that increased societal interest in more natural childbirth, including childbirth education classes and early maternal-child contact, may be responsible for much of the upward pressure on breastfeeding rates in the 1970s.

Has breastfeeding rates hit new high in United States?

Highlights: 84.1% of infants started out breastfeeding in 2021. National breastfeeding rates at 6 months and 12 months reveal a 15.2% and a 14.6% gap for achieving Healthy People 2030 targets.

How long does the average woman breastfeed in the US?

Among those who breastfed, average duration was 6.9 months; when stratified by race, breastfeeding duration was longest among White mothers at 7.3 months, followed by mothers of other races at 6.3 months, while Black mothers had shortest average duration, with 5.1 months.

Has breastfeeding increased or decreased?

When we look at these rates from 2007 to 2022, we see that there is a relatively steady increase in breastfeeding rates across time. However, as depicted in Figure 1, we see a slight decrease in the most recently published report in 2022.