The duration rates of breastfeeding, through 6
months into 1-year postbirth, continue to re£ect a
steep decline beyond the first few weeks. According
to the National Immunization Survey,
conducted in 2005 by the CDC, the percentage of
U.S. children receiving any breast milk through 6
months was 43% and only 23% through 1 year. Exclusive
breastfeeding (nothing but breast milk) was
reported to only reach 33% at 3 months and 14% at
6 months. Further, much of the drop-o¡ in breastfeeding
was noted to occur within 2 weeks
postdelivery. Although there are a myriad of interrelated
factors that in£uence the initiation and