Breastfeeding Improves Health for Children & Mothers
Encouraging breastfeeding is a key strategy for improving the health of babies, children, and mothers.
Breastfeeding rates are increasing in the United States. In 2011, 79% of infants started to breastfeed. However, breastfeeding did not continue for as long as recommended.
Breastfeeding Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months and that breastfeeding continues for the first year and for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and the baby.
Breastfeeding Mothers Need Support
Mothers need support while they are breastfeeding. It is critical that this support comes from throughout the community including:
- Schools
- Workplaces
- Child Care Centers
Efforts to support breastfeeding in Boulder County are guided by:
- The Boulder County Breastfeeding Coalition
- The Healthy Eating & Active Living Coalition
Strategies for Increasing Breastfeeding
- Support positive community norms for breastfeeding through continuous and consistent messaging
- Increase support for breastfeeding in workplaces through policy and environmental change
- Increase support for breastfeeding in child care programs through policy and environmental change
- Implement continuity of lactation care initiatives that link maternity facilities and community providers to support breastfeeding families
