Minnesota has the highest rate of infants exclusively breastfed for six months at 36.5 percent. West Virginia had the lowest at 13.8 percent. In 2019, Oklahoma, at 23.2 percent, ranked 38 out of 50 states [1].
Percentage of infants exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months in 2019.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), or breast milk only nutrition for the first six months of an infant’s life, is recommended by major health organizations worldwide, along with continued breastfeeding up to 1-2 years.
Nationally in 2019, 45.3% infants were exclusively breastfed through three months; Oklahoma was closer to the national average up to three months at 43.1%.
Because of the pandemic, 17.9% of hospitals reported that in-person lactation support decreased and 72.9% reported discharging mothers and their babies less than 48 hours after birth.
The CDC 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card reflects breastfeeding and supplementation rates among babies born in 2019. These data were collected across 2020–2021 when babies were 19 to 35 months old and might partially reflect breastfeeding duration and exclusivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) leads to healthier babies and mothers. EBF, or breastmilk only nutrition for the first six months of an infant’s life, is recommended by major health organizations worldwide along with continued breastfeeding up to 1-2 years [2, 3, 4, 5] Studies show EBF reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity in mothers and children, two leading chronic health concerns in Oklahoma. It has also been shown in babies to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), childhood cancers, and common illnesses like ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections [6]. Increasing breastfeeding rates is a major objective of the Oklahoma State Department of Health as part of their efforts to reduce Oklahoma’s tragically high infant mortality rate [7]. If 80% of Oklahoma infants were exclusively breastfed for the first six months, it would save 30 maternal and nine child lives each year. In addition, it would save over $33 million in annual medical costs [8]. Education and support, including in-person care, is a key metric that the U.S. has performed well in [9]. The reduction of the practice may be felt in coming years.
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