Breastfeeding rates are on the rise on all fronts: initiation went from 74.6 percent in the 2011 report card to 76.9 percent in the 2012 report card -- this number is the largest annual increase over the previous decade. Breastfeeding at six months increased from 44.3 percent in 2011 to 47.2 percent in 2012, and breastfeeding at 12 months increased from 23.8 percent in 2011 to 25.5 in 2012.
The report card gives statistics on breastfeeding rates immediately after birth (referred to as initiation), at six months, at 12 months, as well as rates of exclusive breastfeeding (feeding only breastmilk) at three months and six months.
This year's report card gives statistics from children born in 2009, the latest year with data available for reporting, and shows rates for the U.S and each state. All of these scores aim to meet the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Healthy People 2020 targets. These are objectives for improving the health of Americans. The targets establish benchmarks for each and track progress toward these goals.
The chart below shows the full details of how breastfeeding rates have changed in the past year and where we are relative to the Healthy People 2020 targets.
To dive into these statistics more, or to see how your state's rates hold up against the others, be sure to read the CDC's 2012 Breastfeeding Report Card in full. Are you surprised by this year's findings? What do you think we'll see next year?
The report also examines hospital care for new moms when it comes to breastfeeding. Hospitals are rated on a scale from 1-100, higher being better. From 2009 to 2011, the national average score increased from 65 to 70, and scores increased by five or more points in 27 states.
Hospitals designated Baby-Friendly are also on the rise, tripling in number from less than 2 percent of hospitals to 6 percent of hospitals. The report card still recommends focusing on birth facility support, mother-to-mother support, professional support, and support in child care settings to continue to raise these numbers, and I agree whole-heartedly.
To dive into these statistics more, or to see how your state's rates hold up against the others, be sure to read the CDC's 2012 Breastfeeding Report Card in full. Are you surprised by this year's findings? What do you think we'll see next year?
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