Over 75 percent of new U.S. mothers breast-feed infants.

The NHANES survey conducted by the CDC during 2005 & 2006. Hispanics had the highest breast feeding rates. There is nothing better for human children than human milk. The contents of the milk contain antibodies and other components not found in any of the alternatives. As for other beneficial health habits the rate was lowest among the poorest, the rural and the unmarried women whose only source of advice is often local health departments who are frequently underfunded. The problem continues despite Maternal and Child Health programs starting with the 'milk kitchens ' in New York in the late 1800s and early 1900s having shown the value of breast feeding for more than 100 years. We learn slowly, caring for poor women and their children has little political appeal compared to sexy topics such as autism with its vocal advocates and media interest.