CDC
Division of News & Electronic Media
404-639-3286
More African American mothers are starting and continuing to breastfeed, but gaps in breastfeeding rates still persist. National rates of breastfeeding increased from 2000 to 2008 among African American, white and Hispanic infants. More African American infants are starting and continuing to be breastfed and the differences between this population and whites seem to be narrowing. Despite these increases, rates of breastfeeding were consistently lowest among African American infants, suggesting these mothers may face unique barriers and need additional, targeted breastfeeding support. Less than 30 percent of all infants were breastfed for one year, which is the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation. This may indicate that all mothers need more support to continue breastfeeding.
Notes from the Field
Botulism from Drinking Prison-Made Illicit Alcohol — Arizona, 2012