RECENT TREND IN BREAST-FEEDING

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (5) , 686-692
Abstract
Results of surveys conducted on a continuous basis over a period of years are presented to determine the trend in the incidence of breast-feeding. Questionnaires were mailed to large samples of mothers, representative of the national distribution of births, asking them what type of milk they fed their infants over a period of time. Demographic characteristics of mothers who breast-fed were also obtained. From 1955-1971, there was a progressive decline in breast-feeding, followed by a resurgence in its incidence through 1978. Not only are more mothers breast-feeding, more are continuing to do so far a longer period of time throughout the months of their infants'' most rapid growth and high nutritional requirements. The increased incidence of breast-feeding is not limited to higher income, better educated mothers. From 1971-1978, the incidence at 2 mo. postpartum more than doubled among mothers in lower-income families. The incidence of breast-feeding almost tripled among mother whose education did not extend beyond elementary or high school and among those attending clinics.

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