1984 milk-feeding patterns in the United States

Abstract

This paper presents results of surveys conducted continuously during a period of years to assess the trend in the incidence of breast-feeding. From 1955 to 1984, questionnaires were mailed to a large nationally representative sample of mothers to determine the use of various milks for feeding infants during the first 6 months of life. Data from these surveys demonstrated the resurgence of breast-feeding both in incidence and duration through 1982. From 1982 through 1984, these increases continued but at a markedly reduced level.