Breastfeeding in the United States

Breastfeeding supports lifelong health and development for both infants and mothers. It is associated with lower risks of chronic disease, improved maternal health outcomes, and potential health care cost savings. While most families in the United States begin breastfeeding, many are unable to continue as long as they intend due to systemic challenges such as limited parental leave, inconsistent access to lactation support, and inadequate workplace accommodations.

The report Breastfeeding in the United States: Strategies to Support Families and Achieve National Goals provides a roadmap for helping families meet their breastfeeding goals and improving population-level outcomes. It emphasizes the need for strong federal coordination, comprehensive health care and community-based support, and inclusive public policies. Using a life course perspective, the report identifies key intervention points that begin before birth and continue through the return to work or school.

To meet national breastfeeding objectives and improve health equity, the report recommends expanding effective community-based interventions, improving access to high-quality care, enacting supportive policies such as paid family leave, and investing in coordinated research. With sustained leadership and investment, families across the country can have the support they need to achieve their infant feeding goals and help the nation move closer to reaching the Healthy People 2030 targets.