Key Findings of the 2004 National Immunization Survey Regarding Breastfeeding Practices:

Initiation and Duration of Breastfeeding

  • In 2004, 14 states in the United States achieved the national Healthy People 2010 objective of 75% of mothers initiating breastfeeding; whereas only 3 and 5 states achieved the objective of having 50% of mothers breastfeeding their children at 6 months of age and 25% of mothers breastfeeding their children at 12 months of age, respectively. Only two states, Oregon and Utah, achieved all three of these Healthy People 2010 objectives.
  • Consistent with previous research, the NIS breastfeeding data reveal that non-Hispanic black and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have lower breastfeeding rates.

Exclusive Breastfeeding

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that an infant be breastfed without supplemental foods or liquids for the first 6 months of age (known as exclusive breastfeeding). However, no U.S. state achieved an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 25% or greater through 6 months of age.

Detailed information is available at the National Immunization Survey.

Virginia Breastfeeing Report Card
State Ever breastfed Breastfed at  6 months Breastfed at 12 months Exclusive breastfeeding through 3 mo. Exclusive breastfeeding through 6 mo.
U.S. National 73.8 41.5 20.9 30.5 11.3
Virginia
79.1
49.8
25.6
32.6
13.4

Breastfeeding Report Card, United States — 2007: Outcome Indicators

United States National Immunization Survey, 2004 Births, CDC
The importance of breastfeeding as a national health goal is evidenced by the inclusion of five breastfeeding goals in the Healthy People 2010 report. Each state’s progress is measured through the CDC National Immunization Survey.

Source: National Immunization Survey, 2004 Births, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services
* Numbers in red met that Healthy People 2010 Objective.
     

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Last modified: 02/11/2008