Increasing Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration and Exlusivity

A meta-analysis of the relationship between breastfeeding and BMI in children shows that the duration of breastfeeding is inversely related to pediatric overweight, meaning that the longer children are breastfed, the less likely they are to become overweight later in childhood.  Some studies also suggest that exclusive breastfeeding has a greater protective effect than does breastfeeding supplemented with formula feeding.  The mechanism that links breastfeeding to a reduced risk of pediatric overweight is not yet understood.  What is known is that breastfeeding also has numerous other nutritional, immunological and psychological benefits for babies; health and economic benefits for mothers; and environmental benefits for society as a whole.  Breastfeeding (as opposed to formula feeding) is also recommended as a disaster preparedness strategy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, unless there is a medical contra-indication, infants should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life, and they should continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months of age.  There is no upper limit to the amount of time a child should breastfeed as long as it is mutually desired by both mother and child; there is no evidence of psychological or developmental harm associated with breastfeeding into the third year of life and beyond. According to the 2009 CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, Montana meets all the Healthy People 2010 goals for breastfeeding, but falls short of American Academy of Pediatric recommendations.  Statistics are as follows:

  • Infants ever breastfed = 82.7%
  • Infants breastfed at six months = 56.8%
  • Infants breastfed at 12 months = 30.6%
  • Infants breastfed exclusively at three months = 40.8%
  • Infants breastfed exclusively at six months = 20.5%

Relative to most other states, Montana has high rates of breastfeeding.  To optimize the health of Montana’s tiniest citizens and their families, however, additional efforts can be made to further increase rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity.  Evidence-based strategies for promoting breastfeeding can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/breastfeeding_interventions.pdf

For more information on the evidence that breastfeeding is associated with obesity prevention, see Does Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of Pediatric Overweight?