Report Identifies Strategies That Increase Breastfeeding Rates

A new AHRQ evidence review shows the incidence and duration of breastfeeding are increased by hospital programs such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, clinician training combined with postpartum home visits, and peer support offered through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The report also shows breastfeeding is associated with reduced maternal risk of breast and ovarian cancer, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Researchers reviewed nearly 140 published studies on breastfeeding interventions and health outcomes. More research is needed on the effectiveness of workplace, school-based and other community-based interventions, authors concluded. The report was supported by HHS’s Office on Women’s Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.