An official website of the United States government
Data & Statistics
We focus on gathering data to better understand behaviors, practices, and policies related to breastfeeding and breastfeeding disparities. This helps guide our strategic priorities to improve the health of mothers and babies across their lifespan.
For breastfeeding, CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity tracks:
- National and state-level breastfeeding rates.
- Maternity care practices at hospitals.
- Public opinion about breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding and infant feeding practices.
Interactive database with national and state data on eight indicators for breastfeeding behaviors as well as environmental or policy supports.
The latest statistics on breastfeeding in the United States.
National and state information on breastfeeding rates and breastfeeding support.
National Immunization Survey (NIS) provides information on the number of children who breastfeed each year, by state. Breastfeeding questions were added to the NIS in 2001.
US birth certificate data from National Vital Statistics System are used to determine the percentage of infants who initiated breastfeeding by county.
The biennial, national Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey helps hospitals make improvements that support parents and babies to start and keep breastfeeding.
SummerStyles gathers information on US attitudes on health-related topics, including breastfeeding.
The Infant Feeding Practices Study II (IFPS II) provides information on US feeding patterns throughout first year of life; includes corresponding 6-year follow-up study.
CBS HEAL is a CDC survey of a nationally representative sample of US municipalities to better understand existing policies and practices that support healthy eating, including breastfeeding, and active living.
Data available by location and various social determinants of health for chronic diseases, minority populations, physical activity, and diagnosed diabetes.
Additional Resources
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Health and nutritional status of US children and adults. Data can be used to study breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
US maternal attitudes and experiences related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Healthy People 2030
Data-driven, national objectives from the US Department of Health and Human Services to help organizations, communities, and states focus their resources and efforts. See baseline data for two breastfeeding indicators.
Nutrition Data and Statistics
US data on added sugars, water, and fruit and vegetable consumption.
Obesity Data and Statistics
Adult and childhood obesity in the United States.
Physical Activity Data and Statistics
Trends, indicator report, and surveillance systems.
