National Strategy Proposed to Boost Breastfeeding Rates in the U.S.
A recent report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) advocates for a comprehensive national strategy aimed at improving breastfeeding rates across the United States. This initiative reflects the September 9 recommendations made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which highlighted the need to enhance breastfeeding as one of 120 initiatives to combat childhood chronic diseases.
The HHS's Healthy People 2030 initiative has set ambitious targets, aiming for at least 42% of infants to be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and at least 54% to continue breastfeeding alongside other foods and liquids through their first year. Currently, only 27% of infants in the U.S. are exclusively breastfed for the initial six months, and fewer than 40% continue to receive breast milk at 12 months.
Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla from the Yale School of Public Health, a co-author of the NASEM report, emphasizes that while individual breastfeeding goals may vary, national recommendations are designed to enhance health outcomes rather than to enforce a uniform standard. The report reveals that nearly 85% of U.S. women choose to breastfeed, yet less than half manage to breastfeed for as long as they would prefer. This discrepancy is particularly pronounced among lower-income women, who face greater barriers due to socioeconomic factors, healthcare access, and aggressive marketing by the infant formula industry.
One of the report's critical findings is the substantial economic cost incurred by the U.S. due to insufficient investment in breastfeeding support. Evidence suggests that breastfeeding not only bolsters an infant's immune system but also contributes to the mother's health by lowering the risk of various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
The report advocates for a multifaceted approach to increase breastfeeding rates, urging collaboration among various sectors and levels of government. It recommends enhancing breastfeeding training for healthcare providers and expanding the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, which outlines essential steps maternity services should take to support breastfeeding.
Moreover, the report calls for universal access to breastfeeding counseling through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Infants, Women, and Children (WIC) and encourages the strengthening of human milk bank networks. It underscores the necessity for adequate reimbursements from Medicare and private insurance for breastfeeding services and supplies.
A federal mandate for a sufficient duration of paid maternity leave and reasonable accommodations in workplaces and educational institutions is also recommended to facilitate women's breastfeeding goals. The report suggests launching nonjudgmental campaigns to promote behavioral changes and implementing regulations to control the marketing of infant formula products.
Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of supporting breastfeeding initiatives during humanitarian emergencies, considering the adverse effects of climate change and other crises on infant feeding practices. It also advocates for funding dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of breastfeeding strategies.
Community engagement is pivotal in this proposed strategy. The report stresses the importance of involving mothers, families, and local organizations in the design and provision of breastfeeding services, recognizing the positive impact of community-driven approaches such as peer counseling.
By adopting a systems-level approach that utilizes community resources, the report aims to enhance coordination of breastfeeding support throughout the entire breastfeeding experience, ultimately helping more women achieve their breastfeeding aspirations and maximizing the potential health benefits for both mothers and children.