Indicator Gauge Icon Legend
Legend Colors
Red is bad, green is good, blue is not statistically different/neutral.
Compared to Distribution
the value is in the best half of communities.
the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.
the value is in the worst quarter of communities.
Compared to Target
meets target;
does not meet target.
Compared to a Single Value
lower than the comparison value;
higher than the comparison value;
not statistically different from comparison value.
Trend
non-significant change over time;
significant change over time;
no change over time.
Compared to Prior Value
higher than the previous measurement period;
lower than the previous measurement period;
no statistically different change from previous measurement period.
Significantly better than the overall value
Significantly worse than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
No data on significance available
Mothers who Breastfeed
This indicator is archived and is no longer being updated. Click to learn more
Why is this important?
Breastfeeding (also known as chestfeeding or bodyfeeding) is linked to a reduced risk for many illnesses in children and mothers or lactating persons. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is linked to health benefits for infants. Although breastfeeding initiation rates are high in the United States, most mothers or lactating persons don’t breastfeed exclusively for the first six months (Healthy People 2030).
Considerations for Equitable Approaches: Infants in rural areas are less likely to ever be breastfed than infants living in urban areas. Nationally, fewer non-Hispanic Black infants are ever breastfed compared with Asian infants, non-Hispanic White infants, and Hispanic infants (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Strategies like peer support, education, longer maternity leaves, and breastfeeding support in the hospital, workplace, and community may help more women breastfeed exclusively (Healthy People 2030).
Inclusive Language Recommendations: Recommendations for more gender-inclusive language include using the term "lactating person" rather than "mother" (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine). The terms "chestfeeding" or "bodyfeeding" can be used alongside "breastfeeding" (National Institutes of Health).
Measurement period: 2021
Maintained by: Conduent Healthy Communities Institute
Last update: March 2024
Graph Selections
Data Source
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Health Statistics and Research
Maintained By: Conduent Healthy Communities Institute (Methodology)
Filed under: Health / Maternal, Fetal & Infant Health, Health Behaviors, Children, Women