Breastfeeding

Healthy People 2020 Breastfeeding Goals (exit DHS) include:

• Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed. (MICH-21)

• Increase the proportion of employers that have worksite lactation support programs. (MICH-22)  

• Reduce the proportion of breastfed newborns who receive formula supplementation within the first 2 days of life. (MICH-23)

• Increase the proportion of live births that occur in facilities that provide recommended care for lactating mothers and their babies. (MICH-24)

Research has shown that there is no better food than breast milk for the baby's first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health, nutritional, economical and emotional benefits to the mother and baby. There are also significant benefits to the community, workplace and the environment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (exit DHS) has identified breastfeeding as the ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants, and has recognized breastfeeding as primary in achieving optimal infant and child health, growth, and development. The Academy recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.

Continued breastfeeding, with the gradual addition of appropriate complementary foods, is recommended for the remainder of the first year and for as long as mother and child desire. Long overlooked as an important factor in reducing health care costs, breastfeeding promotion has now become a national priority.

For more information about the importance of breastfeeding, use the resources link to find resources on breastfeeding education; breastfeeding-friendly childcare centers, breastfeeding mothers in childcare centers as well as links to other breastfeeding websites.

Resources | Contact Us

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Last Revised: February 26, 2013