A government study released on Wednesday shows that breastfeeding initiation rates are up 17% since 1994. An unprecedented 77 percent of new mothers start out breastfeeding their babies. While the rates at 6 months remain unchanged, this is still very encouraging news. The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh those of formula feeding, and these initiation rates are proving that pregnant women are doing their research.

One very exciting outcome of this study is that breastfeeding rates increased among non-Hispanic black women to 65 percent from 36 percent in 1993 and 1994. Eighty percent of Mexican-American infants and 79 percent of non-Hispanic white infants had been breastfed. These populations typically have the lowest rates, proving that breastfeeding education is clearly making a great impact.

My advice to all pregnant moms who are curious (or even nervous) about the prospect of breastfeeding...take a prenatal breastfeeding class. It will answer all of your questions, give you confidence, and put your mind at ease going into the process. Being armed with information before you have your baby will make such a difference!