Why would breast feeding vary THIS much by state?

[kenny]

Moms who ever breastfed - Top 5 states
1. Idaho 90.8%
2. Washington 89.2%
3. Oregon 88.9%
4. California 87.6%
5. Colorado 87.5%

Moms who ever breastfed - Bottom 5 states
46. Arkansas 62.4%
47. Alabama 57.2%
48. West Virginia 55.1%
49. Louisiana 53.5%
50. Mississippi 47.2%

Moms breastfeeding at six months - Top 5 states
1. Oregon 68.1%
2. Utah 64.4%
3. Vermont 61.9%
4. New Hampshire 60%
5. South Dakota 57.1%

Moms breastfeeding at six months - Bottom 5 states
46. Arkansas 29.2%
47. West Virginia 28.1%
48. Kentucky 27.3%
49. Mississippi 26.2%
50. Louisiana 23.6%

Looks like New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's summer reading list just got a little longer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its 2012 Breastfeeding Report Card for the United States -- and it reveals the number of new mothers choosing to nurse is on the rise.

The CDC reports 76.9% of mothers initiated breastfeeding in 2009, the most recent year for which data is available. That represents a rise of about two-percentage points over 2008 when the rate was 74.6%. The uptick is certainly encouraging news given the well-documented short- and long-term health benefits breastfeeding can deliver to both mother and child.

Nursing news: Mom: Don't judge me for not breastfeeding!

Perhaps even more encouraging is the number of moms who are still breastfeeding at six months. No small feat considering the number who by then have returned to their jobs and face the additional challenge of balancing professional production and pumping. In 2009, the six-month number was 47.2%, up from 44.3% the year before.

The report also examines how well hospitals are doing at supporting breastfeeding among new mothers.

In its report card, the CDC writes that one of their primary goals is "improving the health of mothers and their children." It says, "Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, with its many known benefits for infants, children, and mothers, is a key strategy toward this goal."

Of course, some states are doing better (in some instances, much better) than others in this regard. You can check the stats for each state on page 2 of the CDC report and look over who's doing the best and worst right here. And it doesn't take a professional demographer to detect some serious geographical differences.

Source: http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/08/07/breastfeeding-report-card-cdc-2012?hpt=ts1&hpt=hp_t3

 

[Skippy123]

Kenny, you have started Most of the Breastfeeding threads on PS. lol That is great it is on the increase!

 

[kenny]

Yes, it is an important topic and when I see such glaring regional differences it is clear MORE dialog is needed.

I'm glad to help a good cause.

 

[Skippy123]

Yes it is an important topic.

I'm curious what might explain such glaring regional differences.

didn't you start a thread on breast milk ice cream too? or I am remembering wrong?

 

[kenny]

Yes it is an important topic.

I'm curious what might explain such glaring regional differences.

didn't you start a thread on breast milk ice cream too? or I am remembering wrong?

I think so.

So.

Would you care to discuss the topic, or do you like to turn this thread into a thread about another subject?

 

[Skippy123]

Yes it is an important topic.

I'm curious what might explain such glaring regional differences.[/quote]

didn't you start a thread on breast milk ice cream too? or I am remembering wrong?

I think so.

So.

Would you care to discuss the topic, or do you like to turn this thread into a thread about another subject?

Maybe the glaring difference at the end of the day is because people vary?!?!

 

[packrat]

Maybe age has something to do w/it? Maybe those states w/lower bf rates have a higher number of young girls having babies?

 

[kenny]

Yes it is an important topic.

I'm curious what might explain such glaring regional differences.[/quote]

didn't you start a thread on breast milk ice cream too? or I am remembering wrong?

I think so.

So.

Would you care to discuss the topic, or do you like to turn this thread into a thread about another subject?

Maybe the glaring difference at the end of the day is because people vary?!?!

Yes people vary.
So, what does that have to do with the price of eggs in Ethiopia?

Let's stay on topic.

 

[eh613c]

Maybe each state has its own law regarding breastfeeding? I know for a fact in CA a woman can breastfeed anywhere, anytime. I'm glad to see there is an increase and I still don't understand what the fuss is when a woman decides to discreetly feeds her child in public.

 

[qtiekiki]

Maybe age has something to do w/it? Maybe those states w/lower bf rates have a higher number of young girls having babies?

^This among many other factors: education levels, resources, time, money, maternity leave, supports, etc. Some states probably offer more resources for BFing.

 

[ksinger]

Yes it is an important topic.

I'm curious what might explain such glaring regional differences.[/quote]

didn't you start a thread on breast milk ice cream too? or I am remembering wrong?

I think so.

So.

Would you care to discuss the topic, or do you like to turn this thread into a thread about another subject?

Maybe the glaring difference at the end of the day is because people vary?!?!

Yes people vary.
So, what does that have to do with the price of eggs in Ethiopia?

Let's stay on topic.

Kenny, I gave you a pass on the first one, but now it's clear you're being hateful to Skippy. This is NOT YOUR topic to dictate to, and anyone being too rotten to Skippy, who is the sweetest person I've ever encountered on this forum or off, will probably face a lot more wrath than I can dish, from a lot more people. Be warned.

 

[Laila619]

Maybe age has something to do w/it? Maybe those states w/lower bf rates have a higher number of young girls having babies?

^This among many other factors: education levels, resources, time, money, maternity leave, supports, etc. Some states probably offer more resources for BFing.

Yes, ditto all this.

 

[Tuckins1]

Maybe age has something to do w/it? Maybe those states w/lower bf rates have a higher number of young girls having babies?

^This among many other factors: education levels, resources, time, money, maternity leave, supports, etc. Some states probably offer more resources for BFing.

Yes, ditto all this.

Another ditto. Age and education of the mother really does make a difference, although I work with a woman who had 3 children, (as an adult, not a young mother), and is a highly educated woman who said "No way. These (her breasts) are for my husband, not for kids"

Strange view on parenting IMHO...

 

[AGBF]

kenny-

I was just about to ask you if this was the study from which you derived the statistics you posted, because I just read it after reading this thread and it does provide some discussion on the topics you mentioned. When I came back to this thread to reread your initial posting, however, I saw that the study you cited was a different one than the one I am posting. Please take a look at the one I am posting. As I said, it has some interesting, although outdated (it is from 200, data in it. I think it addresses (in the "discussion" section at the end where the data is discussed) why breastfeeding may vary so much from region to region. The authors of the study do, obviously, regard the question as important.

Deb/AGBF


Link to study on breastfeeding: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2636475/

 

[ieatbugs]

Yes it is an important topic.

I'm curious what might explain such glaring regional differences.

didn't you start a thread on breast milk ice cream too? or I am remembering wrong?

I think so.

So.

Would you care to discuss the topic, or do you like to turn this thread into a thread about another subject?

I would like to turn this into a thread about another subject. Anyone else think it's a bit patriarchial for men to go around educating women on their 'need' to breastfeed? It's a personal decision and not all women can or should and I think this is a conversation we should be having with our doctors.

 

[monarch64]

Kenny, this is a very personal question and you don't have to answer it if you don't feel it is relative to the discussion: were you a breastfed baby? I always wonder about people's life experiences and how it colors their perception of issues, that's all.

I also wonder in regard to the stats you posted, if it has anything to do with the size/number of companies for whom women work in those states. For example, I live in Indiana, and I work for a company employing less than 25 people. So, according to IN state law, my employer is not legally required to provide a place for me to pump, break time in which to do so, etc. (They do allow me these things, but they legally don't have to.) I could work for a larger company but I like where I'm at.

Another factor to consider is that breastfeeding for some women is HARD. Some women's supply just doesn't come in at all, or not enough to exclusively breastfeed. Is this study taking into consideration whether people are exclusively breastfeeding, partially breastfeeding (supplementing with formula and if so what percentage), things like that? What are the hospitals like in terms of promoting breastfeeding over formula feeding? On and on and on.

I could discuss the topic for hours as I am currently breastfeeding and pumping and supplementing! And I am only 2.5 months into it! But I do not have a good answer as to why there is such a dramatic variance, sorry. Maybe we will figure it out in this thread.

 

[yssie]

It's a personal decision and not all women can or should and I think this is a conversation we should be having with our doctors.

Yeah, that.

 

[kenny]

kenny-

I was just about to ask you if this was the study from which you derived the statistics you posted, because I just read it after reading this thread and it does provide some discussion on the topics you mentioned. When I came back to this thread to reread your initial posting, however, I saw that the study you cited was a different one than the one I am posting. Please take a look at the one I am posting. As I said, it has some interesting, although outdated (it is from 200, data in it. I think it addresses (in the "discussion" section at the end where the data is discussed) why breastfeeding may vary so much from region to region. The authors of the study do, obviously, regard the question as important.

Deb/AGBF


Link to study on breastfeeding: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2636475/

Thanks Deb.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm going to get flamed for this. But I think some of it it has to do with education level. Not that mother's in the low states are ignorant but rather that people with higher education levels generally have better jobs which allows them to take more leave, have more flexible working situations (working from home, private area for pumping, day care on premises) have less need for 2 person incomes, and don't need to rely on bottle feeding as much. A lot of people with lower educations have to work two jobs, work ridiculous hours, or have to deal with non-compliant employers when it comes to privacy for pumping or for job safety during maternity leave.

 

[kenny]

Kenny, this is a very personal question and you don't have to answer it if you don't feel it is relative to the discussion: were you a breastfed baby? I always wonder about people's life experiences and how it colors their perception of issues, that's all..

I honestly have no idea whether I was breast fed.
I never asked my mom and she has passed away.

 

[kenny]

My interest in this topic is ... this is another topic where taught-shame about what is natural may prevent what is best.

I feel strongly about things where people are made to feel ashamed of things in which there is no shame.

 

[ieatbugs]

My interest in this topic is ... this is another topic where taught-shame about what is natural may prevent what is best.

I feel strongly about things where people are made to feel ashamed of things in which there is no shame.

As long as you believe that there is also no shame in not breastfeeding.

 

[Laila619]

I'm going to get flamed for this. But I think some of it it has to do with education level. Not that mother's in the low states are ignorant but rather that people with higher education levels generally have better jobs which allows them to take more leave, have more flexible working situations (working from home, private area for pumping, day care on premises) have less need for 2 person incomes, and don't need to rely on bottle feeding as much. A lot of people with lower educations have to work two jobs, work ridiculous hours, or have to deal with non-compliant employers when it comes to privacy for pumping or for job safety during maternity leave.

No need to flame, this is absolutely correct. The stats show that the higher a woman's education level, the more likely she is to breastfeed.

 

[Skippy123]

My interest in this topic is ... this is another topic where taught-shame about what is natural may prevent what is best.

I feel strongly about things where people are made to feel ashamed of things in which there is no shame.

What?? No. I think until you actually breast feed Kenny, then you will understand all of this. I do think you are preaching to the choir here.

I do find it kind of creepy that you are start topics about Breast Feeding and covers of magazines where Women Breast Feed and posting about Eating Breast Milk Ice Cream and being in favor of that. Also I find it strange you post often about how much you dislike kids.

 

[Jennifer W]

My interest in this topic is ... this is another topic where taught-shame about what is natural may prevent what is best.

I feel strongly about things where people are made to feel ashamed of things in which there is no shame.

All parents have to think about how best to feed their baby, taking multiple factors into account. Until now, I never heard anyone suggest that shame was one of those factors. I never before come across the notion feeding a baby is shameful. People certainly do vary.

 

[kenny]

My interest in this topic is ... this is another topic where taught-shame about what is natural may prevent what is best.

I feel strongly about things where people are made to feel ashamed of things in which there is no shame.

All parents have to think about how best to feed their baby, taking multiple factors into account. Until now, I never heard anyone suggest that shame was one of those factors. I never before come across the notion feeding a baby is shameful. People certainly do vary.

What I'm talking about is some people feeling it is shameful for a woman to feed her child in public, as if she should go into a bathroom stall or something.

Sorry I figured that was obvious.

 

[iheartscience]

Maybe your doctor fired you because you creeped him out with all your questions about breastfeeding.

 

[Jennifer W]

My interest in this topic is ... this is another topic where taught-shame about what is natural may prevent what is best.

I feel strongly about things where people are made to feel ashamed of things in which there is no shame.

All parents have to think about how best to feed their baby, taking multiple factors into account. Until now, I never heard anyone suggest that shame was one of those factors. I never before come across the notion feeding a baby is shameful. People certainly do vary.

What I'm talking about is some people feeling it is shameful for a woman to feed her child in public, as if she should go into a bathroom stall or something.

Sorry I figured that was obvious.

Yes, I know what you meant. I just don't know or know of anyone who either held that view or took that view into account when making the decision about how to feed their child. Maybe it would affect where they chose to feed a child?

 

[TooPatient]

Maybe each state has its own law regarding breastfeeding? I know for a fact in CA a woman can breastfeed anywhere, anytime. I'm glad to see there is an increase and I still don't understand what the fuss is when a woman decides to discreetly feeds her child in public.

I am very much in favor of women choosing what is right for them. Breastfeeding, pumping, formula, whatever. Every woman and every baby is different.

I'm also not opposed to women DISCREETLY feeding in public. Babies need to eat. I know what the restrooms in some places look like and don't think women should have to go hide there (even if they are nice --- unless the woman wants to)

The only issue I have is when it isn't done discreetly. I just took a class (NOT pregnancy or BF related!) and a woman brought her 4 month old baby with her for all of the class sessions. She pulled her breast out and pretty much left it hanging there for the full two hour class for the baby to eat as she wanted. (woman sat right in front of me so it was impossible to not notice as I looked from my paper up to the board). She even stood up and carried the baby around the room (not feeding, upright away from the breast) with her breast still flopped over the top of her shirt for all to see. (and by flopped over, I don't mean a small portion showing... I mean the whole thing just hanging out of her shirt)


FWIW, I get that it can be difficult to keep a blanket over baby while feeding. I have seen babies push them off. It happens. Whatever. Just making a token effort is great. (even if the token effort is wearing a shirt that allows for easier access and is able to just shift to cover again when done)


ETA:
To answer your question, I'm in WA. All of the churches and synagogues I've been in have a new mother's room for women to go nurse in a comfortable, quiet room. SO's company has nursing rooms for women employees (I know because there is a sign in the restroom... which is a beautiful place anyway. The restrooms have little water fountains, couches, lotions, and more!) and I've seen other businesses around here with that sort of thing too.

 

[miraclesrule]

Maybe your doctor fired you because you creeped him out with all your questions about breastfeeding.

Hahahahahahaha....

Seriously though, I did find the study interesting. I have never seen such a study. I was only 19 years old when I had my daughter and was working a part-time waitress job. Honestly, using formula never even crossed my mind, until my nipples felt like they had been put into a pencil sharpener. It took every fiber of my being to continue...sheer will and determination even though I felt like I was going to pass out from the pain. And then the plugged duct...don't even get me started on the level of pain. I did rally and made it through that period that challenges even the toughest of the tough. Besides, the cost of formula was probably one of my motivating factors as a 19-yr old.

But there are also many people who simply can't breastfeed. The milk just doesn't come in. They have no choice. Those that have a choice, it's their choice to make.

What I do find interesting in the study, besides your random thread topics which I am totally used to by now, is the demographics. It would be nice for studies such as this to drill down the data for more detailed information. It's just an unsually high differential that I would not have expected.