Diet-related Concerns

Breastfeeding

Research has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of breastmilk for infants. This is reflected in national and international initiatives to promote breastfeeding, including a Healthy People 2020 objective for 81.9% of mothers initiating breastfeeding, 60.6% of infants being breastfed by 6 months of age, and 34.1% at 1 year. It is estimated that rates in the US are around 83.2% infants ever breastfed, 57.6% breastfeeding at 6 months, and 35.9% breastfeeding at 1 year. (In Washington State, the rates are 92%, 73%, and 48% respectively). (CDC, 2015)