Hello all. I was "away" last week commuting to Seattle for a week of learning to better teacher. I was able to learn about the 1995 update of the "Healthy People 2000". This is a 10-year plan, started in 1995, with various goals for health promotion for the American people. It is primarily a political document with PC (politically correct) targets rather than realistically attainable goals. I thought I'd share the breastfeeding info with you. The baseline rate of breastfeeding (any breastfeeding, including use of supplements) was 54% initially and 21% at 6 months. The target is 75% initiation and 50% at six months. 5 years later we're at 56% initiation and 21% at six months. (They use the Ross data). :-( White, middle class, well-educated women living in the Western states are the only ones close to the goal. The most progress has been seen in low income women (way to go WIC!) and women of color. -- Anne Montgomery, M.D. [log in to unmask] St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency Olympia, WA