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77% of US Moms Breast-Feed

Percentage highest in survey's history; rise greatest among African-Americans

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2008 7:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – About 77% of new mothers breast-feed, the highest percentage since the CDC began taking surveys 20 years ago. The agency cites public-awareness campaigns about its health benefits for the rise, noting that only 60% of mothers breast-fed in 1994, the AP reports. Changing cultural attitudes that accommodate the practice also might be responsible, a CDC spokesman said. "It looks like an all-time high."

Breast-feeding in African-American mothers rose to 65% from 36% in 1994, the largest increase of any ethnic group. "It is very impressive that when it comes to beginning to breast-feed, African-American women had the greatest progress," said former US Surgeon General David Satcher, noting that African-Americans have historically low breast-feeding rates.

77% of new American moms breast-feed.
77% of new American moms breast-feed.   (Shutterstock)
Sophie Currier holds her daughter Lea while sitting in their Brookline, Mass., living room Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007.
Sophie Currier holds her daughter Lea while sitting in their Brookline, Mass., living room Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007.   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
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