Survey Shows Majority Of Connecticut Mothers Breastfeeding, But Not Long Enough

HARTFORD — A recent survey by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that more than 73 percent of Connecticut mothers breastfeed their newborns. However, less than 40 percent of new mothers in the state breastfeed their babies for six months or longer.

“Breastfeeding is the normal and preferred method of nourishing infants and young children,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, MD, MPH. “Studies have shown that breastfed babies require fewer trips to the doctor due to illness, fewer prescription medications, and fewer hospitalizations. Evidence also exists indicating that breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma, or become overweight.”

As concerns about childhood obesity mount, several studies suggest that breastfeeding lowers the risk of obesity later in childhood. “The longer children are breastfed, the lower the risk for obesity and illnesses including asthma and ear infections,” stated Dr Galvin.

The CDC recently released the results of a 2005 national survey that included breastfeeding questions. According to the survey, which has been conducted since 2003, 73 percent of Connecticut mothers breastfeed their newborns. The national goal by the year 2010 is 75 percent. However, less than 40 percent of all Connecticut mothers breastfeed their babies for six months or more compared with the national goal of 50 percent. And, while babies who receive only breastmilk during the first six months of life appear to benefit the most, only 15 percent of Connecticut mothers “exclusively” breastfeed for six months .

DPH has a number of initiatives underway that are designed to improve the state’s breastfeeding duration rates. They include professional education to help ensure that the state’s physicians, nurses, dietitians/nutritionists and other health care providers have the skills necessary to educate pregnant women about breastfeeding and manage any concerns that come up after the baby is born. The Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition, which was established in 2001 with support from DPH, is sponsoring a daylong conference on October 26 for health professionals and others who provide breastfeeding education.

For more information, visit the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition website at www.breastfeedingct.org.