Exclusive breastfeeding rates are dependent on the data collector's
definition of breastfeeding.  While the data from Ross may be unacceptable, the CDC's
(National Immunization Survey) included as exclusive breastfeeding those
infants who were also supplemented with water.  Thus, looking at exclusive
breastfeeding initiation rates within the hospital setting the Ross picture shows 46.2%
exclusively breastfeeding but the National Immunization Survey shows 59%
exclusively breastfeeding.  I believe that exclusivity does not include water
supplementation.  There are problems with each of these surveys and it is critical
that when data like this is presented that definitions of breastfeeding are
also presented, otherwise it could be viewed as a biased presentation.

When I worked in the WIC Program, we collected data on breastfeeding
initiation and like the Ross data, infants were considered breastfed if they want to
the breast once.  Many of those infants never went back to the breast.  This
information is important to know when looking at data.  This certainly shows
mother's intention of breastfeeding but does not give us a total picture of
breastfeeding.  Should it be included?  Maybe, maybe not.

The Ross news release, states that their survey "serves as the data baseline
and monitoring source for the Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy
People 2010 breastfeeding goals."  Rather sad that the infant formula
industry's data serves as a baseline and monitoring source for government
breastfeeding goals.  Sometimes a free service has an ultimate price to be paid.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC


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