Breastfeeding Varies by Race and Place

A new study confirms that Hispanic women generally breast-feed more than white and black women do. But it finds surprising regional differences in U.S. breast-feeding rates.

The state-by-state analysis of racial and ethnic differences found that in the East, Hispanics breast-feed more than other women. In some Western states, white women had higher rates, according to the report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the new analysis finds that white women have a much higher rate in Alaska, Colorado and New Mexico, and a slightly higher rate in California, Oregon and about a half-dozen other Western states.

The highest breast-feeding rate was for white women in the District of Columbia. About 97% said they initiated breast-feeding, and 80% continued it for at least six months.

March 2010