Encouraging News for US Breastfeeding Rates

I remember sitting in a Maternal and Child Nutrition course in college. We had the most exuberant, hilarious Lactation Consultant come into class and speak to us about her career. Apart from still wanting to be her when I grow up (some day), I just loved how she was impacting the health of our communities by helping mothers breastfeed. ​
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One thing I remember distinctly she said during that class was that The World Health Organization and The CDC and other large prominent health and government organizations knew that exclusive breast-

feeding beyond 6 months even up and to 12 months to 24 months is more beneficial for infants. This was shocking to our class as we kept reading 6 months, 6 months, 6 months. She further said that the recommendations remained at 6 months because these groups knew that if they set the bar as high as 12 months of exclusive breastfeeding, instead of women trying for that length of time, they wouldn't even start. GASP! But, as we learn, study after study, breast IS best, AND if at all possible mothers should try and breastfeed their children over formula. I am always interested when I hear information on breastfeeding rates, and I am super encouraged to read that breastfeeding rates continue to be on the rise in the US. Check out the CDC's recent report and report card showing these new numbers.