Breastfeeding rates and duration in Germany: a Bavarian cohort study

Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding for all healthy infants. The aim of our study was to assess the current state of breastfeeding prevalence, duration and behaviour in Bavaria, Germany as a basis for targeting breastfeeding promotion measures. The Bavarian Breastfeeding Study is a prospective cohort study of 3822 mothers who delivered in April 2005 in Bavaria, Germany. Breastfeeding duration and determinants such as socioeconomic status, attitudes towards breastfeeding, birth mode and breastfeeding problems were assessed by questionnaires 2-6 d after birth and 2, 4, 6, and 9 months after birth. The initial breastfeeding rate was 90 %. After 4 months 61 % still breastfed (any breastfeeding). In the multivariate analyses the main influencing factor reducing breastfeeding initiation was the partner's negative attitude towards breastfeeding (OR 21.79; 95 % CI 13.46, 35.27). No initial breastfeeding was also associated with lower education, maternal grandmother's negative attitude and pre-term birth. Protective factors were primary breastfeeding experience and information on breastfeeding before birth. Breastfeeding duration < 4 months was strongly associated with breastfeeding problems (OR 7.56; 95 % CI 6.21, 9.19), smoking, lower education, partner's negative attitude and Caesarean section. Since the attitude of family members is an important influencing factor on breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding promotion should also target the partners of pregnant women and the families of newborn infants. Public health interventions such as more effective support for the management of breastfeeding problems, especially in lower social status families, should be implemented and their effectiveness should be critically evaluated.     

Breast feeding practices among health care professionals in a tertiary care hospital from South India

Personal breastfeeding experiences of health care professionals play a major role in influencing their attitudes and expertise regarding counseling and managing breastfeeding issues in patients. This study was done with an objective of studying the current breastfeeding practices among health care professionals (HP) and their spouses and the factors influencing them. All children < 5 years of age, residing in hospital's residential quarters, were included. A detailed breastfeeding history demographic data were obtained following a semi-structured interview with mothers. Among 81 children included for analysis, in 73 children (90.1%), an initiation of breastfeeding was within 24 hours of birth and in 36 children (44.4%), it was within first hour of life. 43 children (58.1%) were exclusively breast fed for 6 months. Mean duration of EBF was 5.3 months and total duration of breastfeeding was 13.2 months. Gender of HP, gender of the child and socio-economic factors were not found to significantly affect breastfeeding practices among HP.     

Mothers in Need of Lactation Support May Benefit from Early Postnatal Galactagogue Administration: Experience from a Single Center

Background: Galactagogues are substances that promote lactation, although data on their effects on humans remain limited. We investigated the efficacy of Silitidil to increase milk supply and duration of breastfeeding of a specific subgroup of mothers in need of lactation support. Methods: 161 mothers from November 2018 until January 2021 were the study subjects in this retrospective study; during their hospitalization, due to neonatal or maternal factors that inhibited lactation, they were prescribed galactagogues. Mothers were surveyed by telephone interview via a 13-item questionnaire. Results: 73.91%, were primigravidas, 78.26% gave birth by cesarean section (CS) and 72.05% continued to take galactagogues after hospital discharge. Of the neonates, 24.22% were preterm ≤37 weeks of gestation, and 55.9% had birth weight (BW) between 2500 and 3500 g. With respect to breastfeeding rates, 100% were breastfed during their first week, 98.8% breastfed during the first month, 87% during the first 4 months, dropping to 56.5% at 6 months, 41% at 1 year and 19.3% over 1 year of age. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that administration of a galactagogue containing Silitidil (Piulatte-Humana) improves breastfeeding rates at from 1 until 12 months of life in mothers with low milk supply during their hospital stay. Further studies are needed to generate evidence-based strategies to improve breastfeeding outcomes.     

Prevalencia y factores asociados con la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva durante los 6 primeros meses en la cohorte INMA de Guipúzcoa

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) during the first 6 months of life in the Gipuzkoa birth cohort, identify the reasons for abandonment of EB, and establish the associated factors.MethodsThe study population consisted of 638 pregnant women from the INMA-Gipuzkoa (Infancia y Medio Ambiente, www.proyectoinma.org) birth cohort, who were followed up from the third trimester of pregnancy until the child was aged 14 months. To determine the factors related to abandonment of EB, logistic regression models were used in two different stages (4 months or early stage and 6 months or late stage).ResultsThe prevalence of EB within the Gipuzkoa cohort was 84.8% after hospital discharge, 53.7% at 4 months of life and 15.4% at 6 months of life. The reasons given by the mothers for early EB cessation were: breastfeeding problems, low weight gain and hypogalactia. Other factors influencing the early phase were the intention to provide EB, parity, area of residence and social class. Abandonment in the late stage was influenced by the length of maternity leave.ConclusionsFrom a public health perspective, the results of this study could help health professionals to develop strategies to support breastfeeding mothers, taking into account the main reasons for early and late abandonment.     

四川省汉、藏和彝族农村地区母乳喂养现状及其影响因素

目的了解四川省汉、藏和彝族农村地区0~18月龄婴幼儿母乳喂养的现状及相关影响因素。方法采用多阶段抽样方法,抽取四川省2个汉族县、2个藏族县和2个彝族县农村地区0~18月龄婴幼儿及其母亲为研究对象,通过问卷调查收集母亲及婴幼儿的社会人口学特征、家庭情况、母乳喂养知识和行为等信息。运用非条件Logistic回归分析母乳喂养的相关影响因素。结果 1087名婴幼儿的早开奶率为22.45%,其中,985名6月龄及以上的婴幼儿纯母乳喂养至6月龄率为35.94%、658名12月龄及以上婴幼儿的持续母乳喂养至12月龄率为34.50%。分娩方式为顺产(OR=2.80,95%CI 1.82~4.30)、母亲的早开奶知识(OR=2.48,95%CI 1.69~3.64)是早开奶的有利因素。母亲是藏族(OR=1.56,95%CI 1.02~2.39)、家庭经济状况非常好(OR=2.70,95%CI 1.47~4.98)、母亲掌握纯母乳喂养知识(OR=1.47,95%CI 1.07~2.02)是纯母乳喂养至6月龄的有利因素。二胎及以上(OR=1.67,95%CI 1.11~2.52)、母亲掌握断奶知识(OR=3.96,95%CI 2.65~5.93)是持续母乳喂养至12月龄的有利因素。结论四川省汉、藏和彝族农村地区的母乳喂养现状不容乐观,母亲的民族、分娩方式、是否掌握相关知识、胎次及家庭经济状况均会影响婴幼儿母亲的母乳喂养行为。     

中国西部45县农村2005年3岁以下儿童母乳喂养现状调查

目的了解中国西部10省45县农村<3岁儿童母乳喂养的状况及其影响因素。方法采用横断面调查设计和人口比例抽样法(PPS),于2005年调查了45县获得14 077对母子,通过母亲回顾调查了儿童的母乳喂养情况。结果西部地区农村<3岁儿童母乳喂养率为96.5%。然而,<6个月纯母乳喂养率只有11.4%,优势母乳喂养率为22.0%,完全母乳喂养率为33.4%;及时开奶率为43.5%;母乳持续喂养≥1年的比例是64.9%,母乳持续喂养≥2年的比例仅为9.7%。"应该断奶"和"母亲要参加劳动"是母亲自觉断奶的主要原因。<6个月纯母乳喂养有利于儿童的生长发育,可以降低儿童的2周腹泻患病率。<6个月纯母乳喂养的主要危险因素为母亲受教育程度高、调查地区经济状况差和母亲为少数民族。结论西部地区儿童普遍接受母乳喂养,儿童出生后开奶早,母乳喂养持续时间不长,<6个月纯母乳喂养率一直在较低的水平,尤其是经济状况较差的四类农村以及少数民族地区。     

广州城郊婴儿出生及喂养情况调查

目的:了解目前广州市城、郊区婴儿出生及喂养情况,找出婴儿喂养存在的问题及影响因素。方法:采用整群随机抽样的方法,抽取广州市越秀区和白云区郊区共2 040名42天以上、1岁以内婴儿及其母亲作为调查对象,逐一进行面对面问卷调查。结果:广州市城、郊区低出生体重儿、巨大儿和早产儿发生率分别为3.75%、4.20%和6.13%,城区显著高于郊区(P<0.01)。婴儿4个月内母乳喂养率为41.99%,城、郊区差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);出生后4个月内添加辅食的比例是29.34%,4～6个月为70.28%。Logistic回归分析显示,影响喂养行为的主要因素有乳汁分泌量、分娩方式、母亲年龄、地域、母亲文化程度和家庭年收入等。结论:广州城、郊区婴儿喂养方式仍存在很多不合理现象,应根据人群不同特点有针对性地开展健康教育,普及营养知识和科学育儿观念,提高母乳喂养率,并适时合理地添加辅食,以促进婴儿生长发育。     

Impact of working status on breastfeeding in Singapore: evidence from the National Breastfeeding Survey 2001

BACKGROUND: This study uses data from the 2001 Singapore National Breastfeeding Survey to examine factors, including working status, associated with breastfeeding duration. METHODS: All women who delivered in the eight hospitals with obstetric services in Singapore from 1 April to 31 May 2001 were invited to participate in a survey on infant feeding and nutrition at 2 and 6 months postpartum. A total of 2149 respondents were interviewed for variables that were known or suspected to be associated with breastfeeding initiation and duration. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the associated effect of working status on breastfeeding duration. Kaplan-Meier estimate and survival curves were compared between working and non-working mothers. RESULTS: Working status had no effect on initiation of breastfeeding, but had an effect on breastfeeding duration. The median breastfeeding duration for non-working and working mothers was 9 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively. This difference was significant by log rank test [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.41, P value <0.001]. About 31% of non-working mothers breastfed for up to 6 months as compared to 20% of working mothers. Working mothers were more likely to stop breastfeeding than non-working mothers (HR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.43-1.85, P value = 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. The most important reason for working mothers stopping breastfeeding between 2 and 6 months was attributable to work. CONCLUSION: More breastfeeding-friendly initiatives need to be put in place at workplaces to encourage working mothers to continue breastfeeding upon returning to work.     

运用健康信念模式分析影响蒙、汉族婴幼儿母乳喂养的因素

目的比较蒙、汉族婴幼儿母乳喂养状况,探讨健康信念模式在分析母乳喂养影响因素中的作用,为提高母乳喂养率提供建议。方法依据健康信念模式自行设计问卷,采用分层随机整群抽样方法,对117名蒙族婴幼儿母亲和218名汉族婴幼儿母亲进行入户访谈式问卷调查,资料收集时间为2004年4月。结果蒙、汉族婴幼儿4个月母乳喂养率分别为79.5%和73.4%,平均开奶时间为54.5小时,平均断母乳时间为15.4个月,蒙、汉族差异无显著性。蒙族母亲较汉族母亲感知到的母乳喂养益处更多,而障碍更少,二者的差异有显著性。运用健康信念模式分析显示,母乳喂养障碍和母亲年龄是影响母乳喂养的主要因素,R2=0.462,母乳喂养障碍越少,母亲越年轻,越有利于母乳喂养。结论母乳喂养障碍为影响母乳喂养的主要可变因素,蒙、汉族婴幼儿母乳喂养水平相当;健康信念模式可以在一定程度上解释和预测母乳喂养行为。     

四川省泸州市纯母乳喂养现状及其影响因素分析

目的 了解纯母乳喂养现状,分析影响纯母乳喂养的因素,为提高纯母乳喂养率提供理论依据。方法 以2019年4—6月在泸州市某医科大学附属医院、附属中医院和泸州市人民医院分娩活产儿的产妇为研究对象,在产后6个月时进行问卷调查,内容包括基本信息、婴儿6个月内喂养情况及相关信息,采用描述流行病学方法对纯母乳喂养现状进行描述,并采用单、多因素分析方法对纯母乳喂养的影响因素进行分析。结果 本研究共调查泸州市448名产后6个月的新生儿母亲。产妇年龄19~46岁,以26~35岁为主,占56.7%,文化程度以大专及以上为主,占94.8%,所在地以城市为主,占95.8%,以初产妇为主,占58.3%。纯母乳喂养率为61.16%。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄大（OR=0.548、0.453）、乳头凹陷或扁平（OR=0.386）、产后抑郁情绪（OR=0.556）、睡眠质量差（OR=0.557）的产妇纯母乳喂养的可能性较低。婴儿出生后1 h内进行了母乳喂养（OR=2.375）、家人尤其是丈夫支持母乳喂养（OR=7.050）、孕期参加产前健康教育等知识讲座（OR=1.578）的产妇纯母乳喂养的可能性较高。结论 泸州市纯母乳喂养现状较好,影响纯母乳喂养的因素较多,可根据当地产妇特点制定相应干预措施,提升纯母乳喂养率。     

Breastfeeding among teenage and adult mothers in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of breastfeeding among teenage (younger than 20 years old) and adult mothers of six-month-old children and to identify factors associated with weaning. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a sample of 237 teenage mothers and 239 adult mothers living in the city of Montes Claros, Brazil, whose babies were six-month-old at the time of the interview was carried out. Mothers answered a questionnaire at home. To assess factors associated with weaning, univariate, Mantel-Haenszel, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Breastfeeding prevalence in children aged 6 months was 71.3% among teenage mothers and 77.4% among adult mothers (crude OR=1.38; p=0.128), but after adjusting for control variables the role of adolescence added considerable weight to weaning. Factors associated with weaning were: marital status, mother's occupation after delivery (both showed interaction with teenage years), difficulty to breastfeeding in the first days after delivery, and exclusive breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The observed interactions with teenage in regard to weaning suggest that motherhood in this age group has unique features that should be further investigated.     

The effect of employment status on breastfeeding in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, more new mothers are part of the work force than ever before. This trend has implications for many child-rearing practices, including breastfeeding. METHODS: Based on a national sample of new mothers (n = 228,000), this study considered the prevalence of the initiation and duration of breastfeeding to 6 months after delivery in 2003 among women who were employed full time, who worked part time, or who were not employed outside the home. Breastfeeding trends since 1984 were also considered. RESULTS: In 2003, at the national level, the prevalence of the initiation of breastfeeding and breastfeeding to 6 months after delivery were 66.0% and 32.8%, respectively. In the hospital, mothers who worked part time had a significantly (p <0.05) higher rate of breastfeeding (68.8%) than those who were employed full time (65.5%), or who were not employed (64.8%). Working full time had a (p <0.05) negative effect on breastfeeding duration. By 6 months after delivery, 26.1% of mothers employed full time, 36.6% of mothers working part time, and 35.0% of nonworking mothers breastfed their infant. Mothers who were not employed were more than twice as likely to breastfeed at 6 months than mothers who worked full time. Breastfeeding trends since 1984 indicated a large increase in the rate of breastfeeding at 6 months after delivery among full-time working mothers (204.5%). However, rates for these women have not yet reached those of mothers who worked part time or were not employed. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure that the Healthy People 2010 goals for breastfeeding are achieved (75% in the hospital and 50% at 6 months), programs designed to support working mothers who choose to breastfeed must be continued and strengthened.     

Einflussfaktoren auf Verbreitung und Dauer des Stillens in Deutschland

Breastfeeding is the natural way of feeding infants in the first months of their lives and has been proven to have health benefits for both infants and mothers. Breastfeeding initiation and duration are affected by social, demographic and health factors. The aim of this study was to describe the current rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration in Germany, and to identify potential factors that underline these rates. Additionally, results are compared with the KiGGS basic (2003–2006; birth cohorts 1996–2002) study in order to reveal the development in the trends of breastfeeding initiation and duration in Germany. The KiGGS wave 1 (2009–2012) includes data on the breastfeeding behavior of mothers of 4410 children aged between 0 and 6 years (birth cohorts 2002–2012). Altogether, 82?% (95?% confidence interval 79.8–84.2 %) of children were ever breastfed, and the average breastfeeding duration was 7.5 months (7.2–7.8). There was a slight increase in the breastfeeding initiation in Germany over the last several years. Breastfeeding initiation among children aged 0-6 years increased by 4?% points compared to 0- to 6-year-olds (birth cohorts 1996–2002) from the KiGGS basic study. The breastfeeding duration stayed unchanged. The breastfeeding behavior was mainly related to the age of the mother at birth, the mother’s education level, smoking during pregnancy, and multiple or premature birth. Despite the overall increasing trend in breastfeeding initiation, there is still a growing need for breastfeeding promotion and support for young and less educated mothers, mothers who smoke during pregnancy, and also for mothers with premature babies or multiple births.     

Breastfeeding duration is determined by only a few factors

BACKGROUND: According to a representative German study prepared between 1996 and 1998 (SuSe-Study) 90% of the mothers were willing to breastfeed, but only 33% (10%) of the babies were exclusively breastfed up to 4 (6) months of age. Bearing in mind that the period currently recommended for breastfeeding is 6 months, this discrepancy highlights the need for action to identify the causes. The present study investigates the behavioural pattern of mothers 4-5 months after delivery. METHODS: The investigation was carried out as a cross-sectional study of mothers who intended to breastfeed their babies (n = 52). All mothers delivered in a hospital, with maximum medical care, and were interviewed later by telephone using a semi-standardised questionnaire. The differences between actual breastfeeding mothers (BF, n = 30) and non-breastfeeding mothers (not BF, n = 22) were identified. The factors influencing decision-making were determined. RESULTS: Significant differences between the two groups tested (BF and not BF) were identified as the perception of the simplicity of breastfeeding, planned pregnancy, marital status, as well as participation at birth preparation classes. If only factors known prior to birth are applied, the decision to breastfeed can be correctly forecast as being 81%. CONCLUSION: In order to allocate consulting resources more effectively, appropriate concepts need to be developed and promoted. If the present results could be verified by a study with a larger sample, the practical use for resource optimisation in breastfeeding consultations would be very beneficial.     

The factors facilitating and constraining the continuation of breastfeeding in women in Estrie (Quebec)

OBJECTIVE: To document breastfeeding rates from birth to six months as well as the factors facilitating and constraining the continuation of breastfeeding in women in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and to compare these to the results obtained in 1999. METHOD: Postal questionnaire sent to 374 mothers who had breastfed and analysis of archival data. RESULTS: Breastfeeding rates were 86.3% at birth and 75% at discharge from hospital in all mothers who gave birth to a child in 2004-2005. Breastfeeding rates in the 272 mothers who answered the questionnaire were reported to be 67.3% and 47.4% at three and six months respectively. Results indicate that 8.9% of infants were still receiving breast milk exclusively after the third month. However, 27.9% of the mothers had stopped breastfeeding during the infant's first week. Support from the nurses was the primary factor facilitating breastfeeding. The main reasons the mothers gave for stopping breastfeeding were problems with breastfeeding and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding rates in this area of Quebec have increased significantly in the past five years and are comparable with those in the rest of Canada. Breastfeeding exclusively up to six months is rare, and initiatives to support breastfeeding mothers in the hospital and in the community are having success.     

重庆市6月龄婴儿喂养现状及母乳喂养影响因素研究

目的 调查重庆市大足区6月龄婴儿母乳喂养行为现状及其影响因素.方法 将重庆市大足区所有社区预防接种点进行编码,然后按照东、南、西、北分为4个地区,在每个地区随机选取1个社区预防接种点作为调查地点,采用偶遇法在调查时间段内对进入预防接种点的6月龄婴儿母亲进行婴儿喂养情况及母乳喂养相关因素的问卷调查,采用描述流行病学分析方...     

Breastfeeding in Malaysia: Results of the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006

In Malaysia, the National Breastfeeding Policy recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued up to two years. Since the 1990s, several breastfeeding promotion programmes had been implemented in the country. This article reports the findings on the prevalence of breastfeeding practice from The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) which was conducted in 2006. A total of 2167 mothers or carers of children below two years old were interviewed representing 804,480 of the estimated population of children aged below 2 years in Malaysia. Respondents were asked whether various types of liquid or solid food were given to the child at any time during the preceding 24-hour period. The overall prevalence of ever breastfed among children aged less than 12 months was 94.7% (CI: 93.0 - 95.9). The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding below 6 months was 14.5% (CI: 11.7 - 17.9). Prevalence of timely initiation was 63.7% (CI: 61.4 - 65.9) and the continued prevalence of breastfeeding up to two years was 37.4% (CI: 32.9 - 42.2). The findings suggest that the programmes implemented in the last ten years were effective in improving the prevalence of ever breastfeeding, timely initiation of breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years. However, the challenge is to improve exclusive breastfeeding practice. Longterm community-based interventions need to be carried out in partnership with the existing health care system, focusing on discouraging the use of water and infant formula, especially in the first few months of life.     

Characteristics of Overweight and Obesity at Age Two and the Association with Breastfeeding in Hawai’i Women,Infants, and Children (WIC) Participants

Childhood obesity is associated with many adverse health effects during childhood and is linked to an increased risk for obesity in adulthood. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of early childhood overweight and obesity and assess the impact of breastfeeding. Data from Hawai’i’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) were analyzed for children 2 years of age born between 2005 and 2009 and their mothers. Childhood overweight and obesity was examined using a log-binomial regression model to estimate prevalence ratios. In the sample population, 12.5 % of children were overweight and 8.5 % of children were obese. Significant differences in childhood overweight and obesity were seen between breastfeeding duration and other socio-demographic groups. Children who were breastfed for 6 months or more had a lower risk of childhood obesity at age two compared to those who were never breastfed (APR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.69–0.91) with adjustment for child race/ethnicity, maternal age, trimester of prenatal care entry, maternal smoking status, and child birth weight. The prevalence of early childhood overweight and obesity is associated with shorter durations of breastfeeding. Early and continued breastfeeding support and education for mothers in the WIC program that improves duration of breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of early childhood obesity.     

A longitudinal study of breastfeeding and weaning practices during the first year of life in Dunedin,New Zealand

OBJECTIVE: To investigate infant feeding practices during the first year of life in a group of white infants in Dunedin, New Zealand. DESIGN: Prospective study of infants from birth to 12 months of age. PARTICIPANTS: A self-selected sample of 74 white mothers and their infants born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between October 1995 and May 1996. Statistical analyses Regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with successful breastfeeding initiation and duration. RESULTS: Among mothers, 88% (n=65) initiated breastfeeding, 42% (n=31) were exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months, and 34% (n=25) were partially breastfeeding at 12 months. Intention to breastfeed increased the likelihood of successful breastfeeding initiation. Mothers who reported that they did not have enough breastmilk tended to exclusively breastfeed for a shorter period of time. Tertiary education and exclusively breastfeeding at 1 month were associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding. Perception of breastfeeding in public as embarrassing was associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding. Among infants, 45% (n=33) were given nonmilk foods before 4 months of age, and 69% (n=51) were given unmodified cow's milk as a beverage before 12 months. APPLICATIONS: Breastfeeding rates in this study, although higher than in many Western countries, were still lower than current recommendations. Our findings suggest that women should be taught how to increase their breastmilk supply. Parents should also be informed of the importance of delaying the introduction of nonmilk foods until their infant is 4 to 6 months of age and cow's milk until they are 12 months of age. Society also needs to address the social issue of embarrassment many mothers feel when breastfeeding in public.     

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in breastfeeding--United States, 2004

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year of life, and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child. Not breastfeeding is associated with increased health risks for children, including otitis media, respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and necrotizing enterocolitis. In addition, breastfeeding duration is inversely associated with risk for childhood overweight. Breastfeeding also is associated with health benefits for mothers, including reduced risk for ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer. Breastfeeding rates differ substantially by race, socioeconomic level, and other demographic factors. For example, among children born during 1982-1993, non-Hispanic black children were less likely than non-Hispanic white children to be breastfed at birth and at age 6 months, even when comparisons were among children in the same socioeconomic or other demographic subgroup. To obtain current estimates of racial and economic disparities in breastfeeding among U.S. children, CDC analyzed data from the 2004 National Immunization Survey (NIS). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that 71.5% of non-Hispanic white children were ever breastfed compared with 50.1% of non-Hispanic black children. Among those ever breastfed, 53.9% of non-Hispanic white and 43.2% of non-Hispanic black children continued breastfeeding until at least age 6 months. Disparities between black and white children existed within most socioeconomic subgroups studied. Public health programs should continue to promote breastfeeding initiation and increase support of breastfeeding continuation, especially among subgroups with the lowest rates (i.e., black, poor, and young mothers; mothers with less than a high school education; and mothers residing in rural areas).