Alicia, the reference you mentioned which examines the accuracy of the Ross
Labs data on breast feeding rates is:  Ryan AS, Pratt WF,Wysong JL,
Lewandowski G, McNally JW, Krieger W.  A Comparison of Breast-Feeding Data
from the National Surveys of Family Growth and the Ross Laboratories Mothers
Surveys. Am J Pub Health. 1991;81(8):1049-1052.  Ryan and some of the other
authors are with Ross labs.  Pratt is with the National Center for Health
Statistics.   Here is a portion of the abstract:  "Both surveys have
documented rates of breast feeding over the last 30 or more years.  Despite
differences in survey methodology, both surveys document similar long-term
trends in breast feeding.  The similarities of rates in breast feeding also
are evident across several maternal sociodemographic characteristics.  We
conclude that both surveys produce reliable and useful estimates of breast
feeding."
The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) survey came out in 4 cycles
between 1973 through 1988.  A follow-up survey was conducted in 1990, and
that is the latest information available from the NSFG.  The next NSFG
survey is planned for 1996, according to the National Center for Health
Statistics in Hyattsville, Md.  It will continue to document breastfeeding
as in the past.  Therefore we can expect another government data set
documenting breastfeeding rates from NSFG probably sometime in 1997.

Judy Hopkinson