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More Moms Are Breastfeeding, According to CDC Report Card

Small Baby BreastfeedingMothers in the United States are breastfeeding at an increasing rate, according to the latest Breastfeeding Report Card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the agency’s newest study, 79 percent of babies born in 2011 were breastfed.

The study finds that moms in the Southeastern states are lagging behind national averages, specifically in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia. In those states, the breastfeeding numbers remain at a lower 65 percent.

Moms living in California, Montana, Oregon, and Washington lead the nation with breastfeeding rates above 90 percent.

So what is leading this rapid change in the number of breastfeeding moms? According to the CDC, from 2006 through 2013, the number of  International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) increased from 2.1 to 3.5 per 1,000 live births. In 2013, there were 3.8 CLCs per 1,000 live births compared to only 2.5 in 2011.

The CDC showcases the increase in International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors by state:

IBCLC  and CLC Map Data

The study finds that many states are still lacking in the number of IBCLCs and CLCs needed to properly help mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding.

References

Breastfeeding Report Card United States/2014: http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2014breastfeedingreportcard.pdf

Image Credits

Small Baby Breastfeeding: http://www.freeimages.com/photo/161052
IBCLC  and CLC Map Data: http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2014breastfeedingreportcard.pdf

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