CDC: Breast-feeding rates hit new high of 77 percent in US

The U.S. breast-feeding rate has hit it's highest mark in at least 20 years with more than three-quarters of new moms nursing their infants, according to a government report released Wednesday. About 77 percent of new mothers breast-feed, at least briefly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "It looks like it is an all-time high" based on CDC surveys since the mid-1980s, said Jeff Lancashire, a CDC spokesman. Experts attributed the rise to education campaigns that emphasize that breast milk is better than formula at protecting babies against disease and childhood obesity. A changing culture that accommodates nursing mothers may also be a factor.

Bonnie - this is wonderful news! It is an indication that sweeping public health education campaigns can work!