CDC 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card: High Start Rates, Early Cessation

When you look at the sheer numbers coming out of the 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card, the initial picture looks promising. About 83.2 percent of the 4 million babies born in 2015 started out breastfeeding. For families across Chicago, from the high-rises of the Loop to the quiet residential streets of neighborhoods like Andersonville, this suggests a strong, shared desire among mothers to provide the best nutritional start for their children. But as any parent navigating the Windy City’s fast-paced environment knows, starting a journey is remarkably different from finishing it. The data reveals a sobering trend: even as the intent is there, the sustainment is where the system falters.

The Gap Between Intent and Reality in Infant Nutrition

The decline in breastfeeding rates over the first year of a child’s life is a significant public health concern. According to the CDC, while the vast majority start breastfeeding, nearly 6 in 10 (57.6 percent) infants are still breastfeeding at six months. That might sound like a majority, but the nuance lies in exclusivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Policy on Breastfeeding recommends exclusive breastfeeding—meaning only breast milk—for about the first six months of life. Yet, only 1 in 4 infants are actually breastfeeding exclusively at that six-month mark. It’s a stark contrast to the three-month mark, where almost half (46.9 percent) were breastfeeding exclusively.

By the time an infant reaches one year, the numbers drop even further, with only one-third (35.9 percent) of infants still breastfeeding at 12 months. This downward trajectory isn’t just a statistic; it represents a missed opportunity for critical health protections. When we talk about breastfeeding resources, we aren’t just talking about convenience—we are talking about long-term health outcomes. Infants who are breastfed see reduced risks of asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, as well as lower rates of ear infections, respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The benefits aren’t limited to the baby, either. For mothers, breastfeeding serves as a protective measure against hypertension and type 2 diabetes, and it can lower the risk of both ovarian and breast cancer. When these health markers are viewed through the lens of a major metropolitan hub like Chicago, the socio-economic implications become clear. The ability to sustain breastfeeding often correlates with the level of support a mother receives, both at home and in the workplace.

Workplace Barriers and the Evolution of CDC Tracking

One of the most telling statistics in the 2018 report is that almost half (49 percent) of employers provide worksite lactation support programs. This means that more than half of the workforce is effectively operating without formal support structures to help them maintain their breastfeeding goals. For a professional working in the heart of downtown Chicago, the lack of a dedicated, private space or flexible scheduling can make the difference between continuing to breastfeed and stopping prematurely.

It is also important to note how the CDC has evolved its approach to tracking these trends. While the Breastfeeding Report Card provided essential data from 2007 to 2022, the CDC has since discontinued it in favor of a more comprehensive tool. The new Early Childhood Nutrition Report, which includes 2025 data, expands the scope significantly. Rather than focusing solely on breastfeeding, this new report tracks 16 different indicators. These include supports for infant feeding, the introduction of first solid foods, general healthy eating, and the affordability of nutritious foods for children five years of age and younger.

This shift indicates a broader understanding of infant nutrition trends. The CDC now recognizes that breastfeeding is the foundation, but the subsequent introduction of solids and the overall affordability of healthy food are equally critical to a child’s growth and development. By expanding the data to include all 50 states and D.C., the CDC is providing a more holistic map of early childhood health across the United States.

Navigating Support Systems in the Chicago Area

Given my background in analyzing health data and community trends, it’s clear that the gap between the 83.2 percent who start breastfeeding and the 35.9 percent who continue at one year is a systemic issue, not a personal failure of mothers. If you are navigating these challenges in the Chicago area, you don’t have to do it in isolation. The complexity of exclusive breastfeeding and the transition to solid foods require specialized guidance.

Depending on your specific needs, here are the three types of local professionals Try to look for to ensure you and your child are meeting the health milestones recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)

These are the gold standard for breastfeeding support. When searching for an IBCLC, look for professionals who provide home visits or clinical consultations. Ensure they have specific experience in managing “exclusive breastfeeding” challenges during the first six months and can provide evidence-based strategies to overcome common hurdles.

Pediatricians with Early Childhood Nutrition Specialization

Not all pediatricians focus equally on nutrition. You want a provider who is well-versed in the latest CDC Early Childhood Nutrition indicators. Ask them specifically about their approach to the introduction of first solid foods and how they help parents transition from exclusive breastfeeding while maintaining nutritional density.

Workplace Wellness and Compliance Consultants

For those struggling with the “49 percent” statistic regarding employer support, these consultants help bridge the gap. Look for experts who specialize in labor laws and worksite lactation policy. They can help you advocate for the necessary infrastructure—like private lactation rooms—required to sustain breastfeeding while returning to a professional environment.

Ready to uncover trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated cdc-newsroom,press-release experts in the Chicago area today.