Missoula Measures - Breastfeeding
Why this topic?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively -- with no baby formula or added foods or beverages -- for the first six months of life.
Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and young babies. It's inexpensive, convenient, and it's uniquely tailored to meet all of a baby's nutritional needs for the first six months of life. William Dietz, MD, director of CDC's division of nutrition and physical activity.
Breast milk contains antibodies from the mother that can protect infants from infection. It also helps boost the baby’s own immune system. Babies who are breastfed have less frequent diarrhea, and have fewer ear or respiratory infections. They are also less likely to develop asthma or diabetes, and less apt to be overweight or obese later in life. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life has also been associated with higher IQ scores.
Mothers who breastfeed burn more calories, which makes it easier for them to return to their pre-pregnancy weight. They also have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers later in life.
How are we doing?
Missoula has a growing number of services to support mothers in breastfeeding their babies. These include 7 WIC clinic sites throughout the county, where enrolled mothers can receive support for breastfeeding including education, “how to” materials, supplemental foods, multi-vitamins, and breast-pumps. In addition, there is an active LeLeche league, the Missoula Breastfeeding Coalition, and several certified lactation consultant staff at the Missoula City-County Health Department as well as at Community Medical Center, to provide education and support to mothers in Missoula County. MCCHD provides assistance and recognition to worksites that support mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, following maternity leave.
Indicators
MCCHD 2009
In Montana, in 2007:
- 89% of Moms initiated breast feeding.
22 other states are at or above 75%. - 55% of Mom’s continued to breastfeed for at least 6 months.
1 state is at or above 61% - 35% of Mom’s continued to breastfeed for 12 months.
4 states are at or above 34%.
Kaiser Family - State Health Facts.org
US and MT -
CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 2010
Missoula - WIC, MCCHD
Healthy People 2020 Target
- 81.9% of babies ever breastfed
- 60.5% of babies breastfed for 6 months
- 34.1% of babies breastfeed for 12 months
Related Data
National change in breastfeeding rates:
Related Measures
Related Websites
Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care - 2007 report from CDC (mPINC)
Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding - what birth centers and health care providers can do.
Healthy People 2020 - Extensive background on national public health status of this topic and many others.
