Breastfeeding on the rise, says CDC

By Elise Viebeck - 02/07/13 01:10 PM ET

U.S. mothers are breastfeeding more and for longer periods of time, a trend federal officials called good for public health.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported Thursday that the share of mothers who began breastfeeding rose more than four points between 2000 and 2008. The number still nursing after six months jumped nearly 10 points to 45 percent.

"These numbers are strikingly good news in terms of the health of both mothers and babies in this country," said CDC Director Tom Frieden in a statement. "This increase represents over 300,000 additional babies being breastfed at six months."

The trend extended across racial groups, the CDC found, narrowing persistent gaps in breastfeeding between white and minority women.

But officials warned that many mothers still need help to continue nursing. Roughly one in four mothers still breastfeeds at 12 months, the CDC said.

The federal government funds programs to increase support for breastfeeding at hospitals serving minority and low-income patients. The Affordable Care Act also mandated that insurance companies cover breast pumps and lactation help without cost-sharing.

Recommendations vary on the optimal amount of time to nurse. The American Academy of Pediatrics says at least one year, while the World Health Organization says two years or more. Both figures are cited by the CDC.