BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

More Moms Are Breastfeeding Babies—and for Longer, CDC Reports

In 2015, approximately 83 percent of moms started out by breastfeeding baby.
save article
profile picture of Nehal Aggarwal
By Nehal Aggarwal, Editor
Published January 16, 2020
mom breastfeeding her baby on her bed
Image: Lea Jones

While breastfeeding may be natural, sometimes it can be incredibly challenging. While fed is best—regardless of whether you breastfeed or formula-feed, now, a new report from the CDC is saying that more moms are breastfeeding their babies and for longer.

According to the CDC’s Breastfeeding Report Card for 2018, the numbers have steadily been on the rise—but just barely. In 2015, 83.2 percent of babies born started with breastfeeding. That number dropped to 57.6 percent for babies breastfeeding at 6 months and 35.9 percent for babies breastfeeding at 12 months.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moms to exclusively breastfeed baby for approximately six months, and then continue to breastfeed and introduce complementary foods. Their recommendation is that moms continue to breastfeed for the first year or longer, depending on what’s desired by mom and baby.

The high rate of moms who start out breastfeeding shows that many American mothers would like to breastfeed baby, the report states. However, the percentage of infants breastfed exclusively through six months is only 24.9. Plus, 17.2 percent of breastfed infants born in 2015 received formula supplementation within the first two days of life. According to the CDC, this number indicates that more support needs to be given to new mothers by their healthcare providers, employers and family members.

While we are taking steps in the right direction—49 percent of employers provided a separate onsite lactation or mother’s room in 2018—there is a lot more work to be done. The report is a way of tracking the country’s progress on achieving the Healthy People 2020 goals for breastfeeding. While five out of eight goals have been met, there is still a lot to do when it comes to providing new moms with the breastfeeding support and resources they need.

Early postpartum can be an important time to establish a breastfeeding rhythm, if possible. But most new moms are already juggling exhaustion with a whirlwind of emotions—and breastfeeding isn’t always intuitive. If you know someone who’s struggling with nursing, check out our tips and positions to help make it easier.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mom breastfeeding baby
Olympic Committee Will Provide Breastfeeding Athletes Hotel Rooms
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding infant at home
How to Get a Proper Breastfeeding Latch
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mother breastfeeding baby
Breastfeeding Let-Down 101: Everything You Should Know
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
sad mother breastfeeding baby
Is D-MER the Reason You Feel Sad While Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
baby with mouth open breastfeeding
Mom's Impression of a Baby Who ‘Can’t Find the Nip’ Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
mom holding baby while drinking coffee in kitchen
Can You Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
The 9 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags-Hero
The 10 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Preserve Your Liquid Gold
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
mother feeing bottle to baby
Can You Mix Breast Milk and Formula?
Medically Reviewed by Loretta Cody, MD
Kelly Mi Li at Vegan Fashion Week held at California Market Center on October 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, California
Bling Empire Star Kelly Mi Li Opens Up About Breastfeeding Struggles
By Wyndi Kappes
 Kourtney Kardashian Barker on the today show Monday, September 12, 2022
Kourtney Kardashian Shares Her Go-To Snacks for Upping Her Milk Supply
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Nursing Pillows-hero
The Best Nursing Pillows (Plus How to Use One)
By Kathleen Harris
entrance of disney world
Photo of Mom Breastfeeding Her Baby on Disney Ride Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
a mother breast pumping milk while sitting on bed at home
Why You Might Consider Power Pumping (and How to Do It)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
young woman pouring a glass of red wine in kitchen at home
Breastfeeding & Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
closeup of baby breastfeeding
Are There Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
tb-best-nursing-clothes-hero
Where to Shop for the Best Nursing Tops and Dresses
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
black mother breastfeeding baby at home
Black Women on Finding Joy in Breastfeeding
By Ashley Simpo
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
smiling mother breastfeeding baby at home
Top 13 Benefits of Breastfeeding
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.