WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- While the U.S. government's health agency
recently reported that more moms than ever give breastfeeding a try, a new
national study in U.S. released on Monday shows most moms do not stick with it
as long as they should.
Although 77 percent of moms nationally start to breastfeed, the new study
conducted by Brigham Young University found that only 36percent of babies are
breastfed through six months, well short of the federal government's goal to hit
50 percent by 2010. The American Association of Pediatricians recommends
continued breastfeeding through the first year.
"Breastfeeding promotion programs encourage women to start but don't provide the
support to continue," said Renata Forste, an author of the article published in
the August issue of the Journal of Human Lactation.
Breast milk is considered healthiest for babies because it is easily digested
and provides antibodies that prevent ear infections and other illnesses. Earlier
work by Forste supports research highlighting the link between breastfeeding and
infant survival.
Many personal characteristics, such as a mother's age and education level,
influence whether a baby is breastfed. Surprisingly, the new study found that
where babies live also plays a role.
Researchers matched moms' survey responses to state and metropolitan data on
infant health. Breastfeeding rates are lowest in areas where babies' health is
considered most at risk. In the Baltimore and Philadelphia metropolitan areas,
which rank low on infant health scores, only 30 percent of babies are breastfed
six months or more.
"Where the need is greatest, breastfeeding happens the least," Forste said.
"It's a sad irony both in terms of health needs and the expense these families
incur buying formula." This research suggests future efforts to increase
breastfeeding rates could target specific communities and not just individual
mothers.
