August is National Breastfeeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) aims to educate and raise awareness about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding while encouraging support for breastfeeding persons across the United States. Many parents want to breastfeed their babies but often stop early because they don’t receive enough support. Certain factors can make a big difference in how long babies are breastfed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-Hispanic Black infants have a lower rate of breastfeeding (77.3%) compared to Asian infants (87.1%), non-Hispanic White infants (85.3%), and Hispanic infants (81.9%) in the United States. The likelihood of being breastfed is also affected by eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Infants who receive WIC benefits are less likely to be breastfed (74.0%) than those who are eligible but do not receive WIC benefits (84.3%) and those who are ineligible for WIC (91.5%). Additionally, younger birthing persons between the ages of 20 and 29 are less likely to breastfeed (78.6%) compared to birthing persons aged 30 or older (85.7%).
The CDC reports that only 25% of babies are breastfed exclusively as recommended until they reach six months of age. Birthing persons need help and encouragement during their breastfeeding journey. Surprisingly, 60% of lactating persons stop breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Various factors, including the following, can influence breastfeeding outcomes:
- Difficulties with lactation and proper latching
- Concerns about infant nutrition and weight
- Concerns about taking medications while breastfeeding
- Unsupportive work policies and lack of time off for new parents
- Cultural attitudes and lack of family support
- Hospital policies and practices that do not promote breastfeeding
The CDC also states that low rates of breastfeeding add more than $3 billion a year to medical costs for the birthing parent and child in the United States. Breast milk is the ideal first food for babies. It contains antibodies that help protect against illnesses. Infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe lower respiratory disease
- Ear infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Stomach and gut infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
- A dangerous gut problem called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) if they are born too early
Breastfeeding offers several benefits for the birthing person’s health and well-being. Breastfeeding can help lower a birthing person’s risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
The CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) has been working to increase breastfeeding rates throughout the U.S. and to promote and support the best methods for breastfeeding to improve the public’s health. In 2004, 73% of babies were breastfed; by 2019, it went up to 83%. In 2010, only 3.8% of births in hospitals had the right care practices for breastfeeding, but in 2021, it increased to 28.9%.
Despite the progress in promoting breastfeeding, more work must be done. By fostering support from families, communities, doctors, healthcare systems, and employers, we can make it easier for individuals to choose breastfeeding. HCPH is committed to working toward a healthier, more supportive environment for breastfeeding persons and ensuring every child has the best start in life.
For a list of resources, visit the HCPH’s Breastfeeding Resources Page. For more information, visit the CDC’s Breastfeeding Page.