What CDC Is Doing

We collect data to learn how best to improve breastfeeding rates in the United States by:

• Tracking how long infants are breastfed.
• Creating reports that show how well states and hospitals support breastfeeding mothers.

We promote best practices in health care settings by:

• Supporting the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a global standard to promote breastfeeding in hospitals.
• Encouraging obstetricians, pediatricians [PDF-405KB], and nurses [PDF-363KB] to educate new moms about breastfeeding.

We support mothers at work and in their communities by:

• Partnering with states to help employers support breastfeeding mothers with places to pump and store breast milk, flexible work hours, and maternity leave benefits.
• Promoting access to community supports like peer counseling and supplemental nutrition programs.