Chapter 5. Breast-Feeding in the United States and Around the World

Breast-Feeding in the United States and Around the World

Differentiating excellent from less optimal mothering is not easy, once the child’s basic needs for food and protection are met. However, psychosocial development depends on responsive parent–infant relationships. Breast-feeding is one sign of the bond between mother and infant, itself one aspect of parenting.

Breast-Feeding Rates in the United States

In the United States, breast-feeding is increasing, but some women are more likely to breast-feed than others, as this map shows.

First, click on each state to see how many women breast-feed and for how long. Then, answer the question.

Question 5.1 Breast-feeding rates from state to state

Breast-Feeding Rates Around the World

Regions of the world differ dramatically in the rates of breast-feeding, just as rates vary state-by-state in the United States. The highest rates are in eastern and southern Africa, where half of all 6-month-olds are exclusively breast-fed and 91 percent of 12- to 15-month-olds have received breast milk in the past 24 hours. Rates also differ dramatically within regions. For example, Norwegian babies are nearly twice as likely as Italian babies to be breast-fed at 1 year.

First, click on each region or country to see breast-feeding rates for that location. Then, answer the question.

Question 5.2 Encouraging New Mothers to breast-feed

Congratulations! You have completed this activity.