Tennessee Breastfeeding Report Card

This week I've been working through some continuing education training on breastfeeding and I came across the CDC Breastfeeding Report Card. I was curious to see how my state compared to the rest of the US and I found some interesting statistics. 

TENNESSEE
Breastfeeding at Birth - 74.9%
Breastfeeding at 6 months - 40.7%
Breastfeeding at 1 year - 20.9%

UNITED STATES
Breastfeeding at birth - 79.2%
Breastfeeding at 6 months - 49.4%
Breastfeeding at 1 year - 26.7%

​As you can see, we are a little bit behind the average. 

However, even the national average is behind the 2020 Healthy People Goal. 

Breastfeeding at birth - 81.9%
Breastfeeding at 6 months - 60.6%
Breastfeeding at 1 year - 34.1%

But, why is increasing breastfeeding so important? A new study in the Lancet Medical Journal shows that breastfeeding could save over 800,000 lives and add over $3 million into the global economy. They concluded that breastfeeding is the healthiest start. 

There's still a lot of work to do both here in TN and on a national scale.

​One way to increase breastfeeding rates is by having the encouragement and support of a doula. One study found that women using community doulas (even in low income areas) had an 87% success rate with breastfeeding. 

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Staci Bishop is a certified doula in Nashville, TN and she has been a birth & postpartum doula for 4 years. Her passion is helping women understand their options and become empowered to make the choices that are the best fit for their family. Staci understands that each birth is unique and each family has their own set of goals. She brings a variety of skills, comfort measures, and experience to help guide you and your partner through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, all while honoring your preferences to achieve a positive birth experience.