Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed at 1 year — MICH‑16

Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk for many illnesses in children and mothers. National guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding for at least the first year. Although breastfeeding initiation rates are high in the United States, most women don’t breastfeed for the entire first year. Strategies like peer support, education, longer maternity leaves, and breastfeeding support in the hospital, workplace, and community may help more women breastfeed longer.