A Return to the Norm: Breastfeeding Rates Rising

With a vast array of known benefits from the age-old practice, the number of mothers who first turn to breastfeeding in this country is on the rise. The increase in breastfeeding isn't an anomaly, but a return to the norm, according to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Katherine Wilson-Thompson, although, she noted, too many mothers are still giving up too quickly.

"We've gotten the message out that breastfeeding is absolutely important, but duration seems to be the issue, as well as exclusivity," she said. "Most moms are initiating breastfeeding, but very frequently they start supplementing with artificial baby milk and tend to wean prematurely."

The latest figures from the CDC show that 77 percent of new mothers tried breastfeeding in 2010, but only 27 percent were still doing so a year later. In Tennessee, 60 percent of mothers started, but only 17 percent were still breastfeeding after a year.

Wilson-Thompson said the large drop-off in numbers shows the need for breastfeeding mothers to reach out to friends and family for help, and connect with a growing number of local and national support groups.