American Moms Give-up on Breastfeeding too Early

While many American mums are taking to breast-feeding their infants, studies have shown that very few are encouraged to continue all the way through the stipulated period.

Breast milk is considered best for babies, because the fluid meets a baby's nutritional needs, is easily digested, and contains antibodies that prevent infections and other diseases, while also promoting the mother's health.

Problems Faced During Breast Feeding
Encyclopedia section of medindia explains in brief about the problems faced during breast feeding

Although 77 percent of mothers nationally start to breastfeed, the new Brigham Young University study showed that only 36 percent of babies are breastfed through six months, well short of the federal government's goal to hit 50 percent by 2010.

The American Association of Paediatricians recommends continued breastfeeding through the first year.

"Breastfeeding promotion programs encourage women to start but don't provide the support to continue," said Renata Forste, an author of the study.

Breast Feeding
Interactive section of Medindia gives simple tips for Breast Feeding

Many personal characteristics, such as a mother's age and education level, influence whether a baby is breastfed. Surprisingly, the new study found that where babies live also plays a role.

"We are finding that breastfeeding rates aren't just explained by the individuals who live in these areas, there's something about the areas themselves and breastfeeding," said BYU co-author John Hoffmann.

Breast Feeding - Preparation
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding how your body prepares breast feeding

The researchers arrived at this finding by matching moms' survey responses to state and metropolitan data on infant health.

Unfortunately, breastfeeding rates are lowest in areas where babies' health is considered most at risk.

Breast Feeding - The Flow
Interactive section of Medindia explains how the Breast Milk starts to flow

In the Baltimore and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, which rank low on infant health scores, only 30 percent of babies are breastfed six months or more.

"Where the need is greatest, breastfeeding happens the least. It's a sad irony both in terms of health needs and the expense these families incur buying formula," Forste said.

Hoffmann said the study suggests future efforts to increase breastfeeding rates could target specific communities and not just individual mothers.

The study is published in the August issue of the Journal of Human Lactation.

Source-ANI
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