I would like to point out again in regard to the breastfeeding stats provided
by the CDC that those statistics are based on 727 children in the USA ( based
on a study in Pediatrics 2003; 111: 1198-1201).   I look at the stats for
Florida and go into shock. (43.7% exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months)  They
don't jive with the breastfeeding reality I see here.  But then if one thinks
about it and divides 50 states into 727 children, one realizes that the Florida
statistics probably represent about 14 children.  I don't remember how this
study verified the breastfeeding information from mother's recall...anybody
remember???I know with the vaccination information verification was done through
medical records.

Exclusive breastfeeding in these statistics was described as:   "the rate of
exclusive breastfeeding in the early postpartum period was estimated as a
proportion of infants who were not fed something other than breastmilk or water
before 7 days." (Pediatrics 2003; 111: 1198-1201)  The categories on the tables
are for exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months and  6 months.  Thus I have to
wonder if the determination for children being placed in the  exclusive category
of 3 or 6 months was based on the first 7 days only.  Exclusive breastfeeding
in these stats includes water supplementation.  I have a hard time equating
exclusivity with water supplementation.

Statistics should enlighten us, give us a true picture of reality.  These
statistics are not enlightening to me.  I feel they may contribute to
self-delusion about the reality of breastfeeding in the USA.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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