National Poll on Infant Feeding Shows Mothers Need Support and Want Choice and Education

RED BANK, NJ – (December 1, 2009) A new national survey reveals the majority of mothers in the United States know breastfeeding is ideal for their babies and themselves but at the same time want the right to decide what works best for them and their families. The nationally representative survey, conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (GQRR) in partnership with Public Opinion Strategies, sampled opinions from 876 mothers of children aged 12 months and younger throughout the country.

“The findings speak volumes,” says Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, a registered nurse and executive director of HealthyWomen. “It’s clear mothers recognize breastfeeding as the gold standard; however, they also were clear that they want a choice when it comes to feeding their infants.”

The survey found that most mothers (83%) made their infant feeding decision prior to going to the hospital to give birth. The vast majority (82%) breastfed at some point during the first year; however, over half of the moms changed their baby’s diet during the first year. Read More »