Administered by: Bureau of Family Nutrition
The Illinois Department of Human Services recognizes breastfeeding as the ideal nutrition for infants. The Healthy People 2030 goal is to increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed at 1 year to 54.1 %; and increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed exclusively through 6 months to 42.4%.
Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk for many illnesses in children and mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is linked to health benefits for infants. Although breastfeeding initiation rates are high in the United States, most women don't breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months or continue breastfeeding to infant's 1 year of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continued breastfeeding for the first year and then for as long as mutually desired by mother and child. Through breastfeeding promotion, education, and support to health care providers, WIC staff, and the community, the Illinois Department of Human Services is working to achieve the goals set by Healthy People 2030 and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
