Is it getting easier to continue breastfeeding?

Is it getting easier to continue breastfeeding?

2012 infants who ever breastfedRecent data from the US Centers for Disease Control shows that Pennsylvania is behind the national average in terms of breastfeeding, but the numbers are increasing. According to the data, 71% of infants born in PA in 2012 were ever breastfed; 48.9% are still breastfed (whether exclusively or not) at 6 months (national averages were 81% and 52%, respectively). What’s interesting is that while there was a 4% increase in Pennsylvania infants who’d ever breastfed since 2000, there was a 12% increase during the same period in infants still breastfeeding at 6 months and we’ve nearly doubled the infants still breastfeeding at 12 months in that time. So while we have a slow but steady increase in the number of people initiating breastfeeding, we are seeing better success in people continuing breastfeeding for longer periods.

So, what’s changed? I think the answer is a lot. We know that the more 2012 Infants breastfed at 6 monthssupport mothers have, the better their chances of meeting their individual breastfeeding goals. For a long time, many women were not exposed to breastfeeding enough to become comfortable with it, understand the benefits, or learn what they would need to know to meet their breastfeeding goals. But now that awareness has increased and access to information, resources, and support is improving, it appears that women in Pennsylvania are now breastfeeding their infants for a longer period than they were in 2000.

It takes plenty of ongoing support and resources to help many mothers reach their goals. Considering whether to try breastfeeding? Talk to women you know who
breastfed and ask about their experiences. Ask about what helped them. Read about it. Look into the resources available in your community to 2012 infants breastfeeding at 12 monthshelp you along the way, from support groups to La Leche League meetings and support lines, IBCLCs, new mothers’ groups and more. Talk to your family and friends about what they can do to support your breastfeeding. Make sure your healthcare provider knows your plans and can support you in your goals. And consider hiring a postpartum doula to help you get the time, rest, support, and information to get breastfeeding off to a Joyful Start.

 

 

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