For the study, the Task Force evaluated more than 25 randomized trials ofbreastfeeding interventions conducted in the United States and in developedcountries around the world. The Task Force concluded that coordinatedinterventions throughout pregnancy, birth, and infancy can increasebreastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. The interventionemphasized primary care provider assistance with initiating and maintainingbreastfeeding and lactation and postnatal breastfeeding support.

Breastfeeding has substantial health benefits to babies and their mothers.Babies who are breastfed have fewer infections and allergic skin rashesthan formula-fed babies and also are less likely to have sudden infantdeath syndrome (SIDS). After breastfeeding ends, children who werebreastfed are less likely to develop asthma, diabetes, obesity, andchildhood leukemia. Women who breastfeed have a lower risk for type 2diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer than women who have neverbreastfed.

In 2005, 73 percent of new mothers initiated breastfeeding, nearly reachingthe U.S. Healthy People 2010 goal of 75 percent. However, only 14 percentof infants were exclusively breastfed for their first six months, asrecommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy ofFamily Physicians, and the U.S. Surgeon General.

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Contact:Angela CollomEmail Contactor 215-351-2653