Most national and international groups recommend exclusive breastfeeding without the use of infant formula or other foods or liquids for the first six months, and partial breastfeeding for at least 12 months. Despite the overwhelming evidence in favor of breastfeeding, in the United States, only about 74 percent of women breastfeed immediately after birth and only about 43 percent of women are still breastfeeding at six months.

There are many reasons that women choose not to breastfeed, including embarrassment, lack of knowledge about the benefits of breast milk, belief that formula is equal to breast milk, and myths about the “ease” of formula feeding compared to breastfeeding.

We will be discussing the benefits of breastfeeding in our next newborn Blog. Contact Wee Care Pediatrics in Mesa, AZ for more information about how to best care for your newborn.