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Maternal & Child Health > Needs Assessment > Breastfeeding At Hospital Discharge Fact Sheet Breastfeeding At Hospital Discharge Fact Sheet

Healthy People 2010 Goal:

  • Increase the percentage of mothers who breastfeed their babies in the early (postpartum) period following their birth to 75 percent.

Consequences:

  • Breastfeeding is the best nutritional source for infants providing benefits for immunity, physical development and cognitive development.
  • Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections.
  • In mothers, breastfeeding decreases the risk of maternal hemorrhage and is also helpful for many positive hormonal and physical effects.

Prevalence in Indiana:

  • In 2002, 62.4 % (52,936) of the infants were breastfed at hospital discharge.

Trends in Breastfeeding:

  • Between 1999 and 2002, percentage of breastfeeding at discharge has steadily increased for both the white and black races.
  • The racial disparities remain high with black women breastfeeding at alarmingly low rates. Only 43.5% (4,018) of the black infants were breastfed when compared to white infants of 64.4% (47,684).
  • None of the racial groups met or are likely to reach the Healthy People 2010 goal.
  • To meet the Healthy People 2010 goal objective, the over all infants who were breastfed must increase by 20.1%, the white infants who were breastfed must increase by 16.4% and the black infants who were breastfed must be increase by 72%.

Percentage of Breastfeeding on Discharge Chart
Source: Indiana Natality Report, 1999-2002. Indiana State Department of Health.