Health organizations worldwide recommend that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for six months, and then continue breastfeeding for one year and beyond, even as solid foods are introduced. The longer and more exclusively a mother breastfeeds her baby, the greater the health benefits they both receive.
Support helps mothers breastfeed longer
Most mothers in Oregon plan to provide breast milk for their babies. In fact, over 90 percent of Oregon mothers start out breastfeeding. However in the weeks following birth, mothers often reduce or stop breastfeeding for a variety of reasons. With active support, these barriers can be resolved so mothers can achieve their personal breastfeeding goals and meet breastfeeding recommendations.
The Oregon Public Health Division works with community and public partners to protect, promote and support breastfeeding at every level – in the home, work environment, child care, health care system, and public settings. Families, employers, child care and health care providers, hospitals, and communities all play a role in reducing barriers and ensuring that mothers get the support they deserve. Check out our white paper resource that gives an overview of the landscape of breastfeeding in Oregon here (PDF).
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