Results: Breastfeeding Rates

Breastfeeding Among U.S. Children Born 2011–2018, CDC National Immunization Survey

Percentage of U.S. Children Who Were Breastfed, by Birth Year^1,2,3

Any Breastfeeding

Exclusive Breastfeeding

Percentage of U.S. Children Who Were Breastfed, by Birth Year, National Immunization Survey, United States (Percentage ± half 95% Confidence Interval)^{1,2, 3}

1. Data from 2011 to 2015 births were based on landline and cellular telephone sampling and data for 2016 births and onwards were based on cellular telephone sampling only. See Survey Methods for details and data prior to 2011 at Data, Trends, and Maps.
2. Data from U.S. territories are excluded from national breastfeeding estimates to be consistent with the analytical methods for the establishment of Healthy People 2030 targetsexternal icon on breastfeeding
3. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as ONLY breast milk—NO solids, water, or other liquids.

Breastfeeding Rates by State¹ and Sociodemographics

1. Because of changes in the sampling frame in 2011 and in 2018 (See survey methods for details) and small sample sizes, states should use caution when comparing prevalence estimates from year to year.

Percentage of Breastfed Children Who Were Supplemented with Infant Formula, by Birth Year, National Immunization Survey, United States^1,2,3

Percentage of U.S. Breastfed Infants Who Were Supplemented with Infant Formula, by Birth Year, National Immunization Survey, United States (Percentage +/- half 95% Confidence Interval)^1,2,3

1. Data from 2011 to 2015 births were based on landline and cellular telephone sampling and data for 2016 births and onwards were based on cellular telephone sampling only. See Survey Methods for details and data prior to 2011 at Data, Trends, and Maps.
2. Data from U.S. territories are excluded from national breastfeeding estimates to be consistent with the analytical methods for the establishment of Healthy People 2030 targetsexternal icon on breastfeeding.
3. Formula supplementation is defined as supplementation of breast milk with formula (with or without other supplementary liquids or solids) among infants breastfed before the age specified (2 days, 3 months, or 6 months). See survey methods for details.

Rates of Any and Exclusive Breastfeeding by Age Among Children Born in 2018, National Immunization Survey, United States^1,2,3

Rates of Any and Exclusive Breastfeeding by Age Among Children Born in 2018 (Percentage +/- half 95% Confidence Interval)^1,2

1. Data from U.S. territories are excluded from national breastfeeding estimates to be consistent with the analytical methods for the establishment of Healthy People 2030 targetsexternal icon on breastfeeding.
2. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as ONLY breast milk—NO solids, water, or other liquids.
3. The data point for exclusive breastfeeding begins at 7 days of life.