More and More Breastfeeding Mothers

May 5th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under
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n reports from the CDC, there are now 3 out of 4 women who breastfeed in the US. This is the highest that it has ever been for the last 20 years. This has been attributed from the increase in breastfeeding campaigns and educating pregnant women early on about the advantages of breastfeeding.

According to statistics, black infants who were breastfed rose to 65% from 36% in 1993-94. For the whites, it rose to 79% from 62% and for Mexican-Americans, the figures increased to 80% from 67%.

The Black Americans have had the most progress among the three and historically, they are also the ones with the lowest percentage of ever breastfeeding babies. This is truly great news.

So what really does breastmilk do for the babies and why is it being encouraged by doctors and health care officials?

Breastmilk contains antibodies from the mother and passes it on to the baby to help protect him from diseases. It also helps preventing childhood obesity and thus encourages good health to the baby. It is very economical since the mother doesn’t have to buy them in stores or prepare them and its temperature is always ideal.

Through proper education, mothers can be informed of the good things about breastmilk and the advantages of breastfeeding. It is important that hospitals encourage breastfeeding in their facilities to help the mothers and the babies as well.


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