This Type of Mom Is More Likely to Breastfeed, Says Study

The Department of Health report discovered that mothers in wealthier neighborhoods were 1.6 times more likely to exclusively (only breast milk, not formula) breastfeed for the first five days of their baby’s life than were mothers in poorer neighborhoods.

Another report found that women who were in better-funded hospitals are far more likely to exclusively breastfeed their newborn, and by contrast, the lowest-performing hospitals for breastfeeding are those that primarily serve the poor.

Because hospitals that care for low-income Americans have had budget cuts, they’ve ben forced to discontinue many of their first-time mother training programs, which include breastfeeding education.

Since these hospitals are usually understaffed and overburdened, doctors and nurses have a tendency to hand out formula, rather than take the time to help prepare and teach a new mom how to breastfeeding. This leaves poor mothers trying to find another way to figure breastfeeding.