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A major new government report has called for a cultural shift in how the nation views breastfeeding. According to the Surgeon General, despite a decade of encouraging more U.S. mothers to breastfeed their infants, not enough do. In addition, certain ethnic groups, such as African-Americans have a very low incidence of breastfeeding. The government also is calling on the infant's father, as well as grandparents and other family members, to support the mom's decision to breastfeed. What the family thinks about it plays a major role in determining whether or not the mother will breastfeed, for how long, and in large part how successful it will be. Only 20% of all moms breastfeed their infants until 6 months of age, a crucial time period, according to the report released by Surgeon General David Satcher. The government's goals for this year have not been met regarding breastfeeding, and they have set their new goals for 2010: At least half of all mothers will breastfeed exclusively until their infants are 6 months old, with 25% breastfeeding until the infant is one year old. Why breastfeed? Research has shown that breastfed infants are much less likely to get diarrhea, asthma, pneumonia, ear infections and other infections. They are also less likely to get diabetes or childhood cancer. According to the Women, Infants and Childrens program of the American Red Cross, breastfed infants are also more likely to do better in school later on. The Surgeon General's office says that their brains develop faster, and that their immune systems respond better. Women who breastfeed now, are also less likely--later on in life-- to get breast cancer, and osteoporosis. In addition, breastfeeding uses up about 500 calories a day and this helps them get back to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. Breastmilk is absolutely the best food for your baby, and it's free! For more information: See this US-FDA page.
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