Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended feeding method for babies for at least the first six months of life because it has many benefits for both mothers and babies.
Key Facts
- Mothers who breastfeed reduce postpartum bleeding, recover more quickly, and have a delayed return of menstrual periods, helping to extend time between births. In addition, some studies show that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and breast and ovarian cancers throughout a woman’s life.
- Children who are breastfed have improved immunity and lower rates of asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, respiratory infections, and allergies.
- In New Jersey, mothers who reported initiating breastfeeding increased from 73.2% in 2003 to 86.8% in 2016. New Jersey breastfeeding rates were highest among those who had at least a college education, were over 30 years of age, and identified as Asian, non-Hispanic.
Related Data