More children are being born at hospitals that help mothers start breastfeeding, as well as teaching them the health benefits.
The trend is national, but Kansas is ahead of the curve. Forty percent of babies here are born in hospitals recognized for their efforts to support breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding protects against diseases, so the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it for the first six months of life.
For the second six months, it recommends continuing that while introducing babies to other foods.
The Centers for Disease Control says less than 60 percent of babies are still breastfed at six months — both nationally and in Kansas.
Celia Llopis-Jepsen is a reporter for the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KMUW, Kansas Public Radio, KCUR and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. You can reach her on Twitter @Celia_LJ. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished at no cost with proper attribution and a link back to the original post. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
