JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Although 80% of infants in the United States start breastfeeding, only 22% are exclusively breastfed up to around 6 months as recommended by a number of professional organizations. ⋯ The updated evidence confirms that breastfeeding support interventions are associated with an increase in the rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding. There are limited well-controlled studies examining the effectiveness of system-level policies and practices on rates of breastfeeding or child health and none for maternal health.
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Practice Guideline
Primary Care Interventions to Support Breastfeeding: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.
There is convincing evidence that breastfeeding provides substantial health benefits for children. However, nearly half of all US mothers who initially breastfeed stop doing so by 6 months, and there are significant disparities in breastfeeding rates among younger mothers and in disadvantaged communities. ⋯ The USPSTF recommends providing interventions during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding. (B recommendation).