Breastfeeding Report Card
The Breastfeeding Report Card shows how breastfeeding is being protected, promoted, and supported in each state using five “outcome” and nine “process” indicators. Outcome indicators include: the percentage of mothers who ever breastfed; the percentage breastfeeding at 6 months and 12 months, and; the percentage exclusively breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months. The process indicators measure five different types of breastfeeding support: birth facility support, professional support, mother-to-mother support, state legislation, and public infrastructure. Outcomes are estimated using data from the National Immunization Survey (NIS). Other data come from the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) Survey, and The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) which is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).