1981 Milk Feeding Patterns in the United States During the First 12 Months of Life

Abstract

From 1955 to 1981, questionnaires were mailed to a nationally representative sample of mothers to determine the use of various milks for feeding infants during the first 6 months of life. Data from these surveys demonstrated the resurgence of breast-feeding both in incidence and duration, and this increase has occurred across all levels of income and education. Statistical analysis indicated that the trends were significant (P < .01) for all demographic categories surveyed. In 1981, as in 1980, a bimonthly telephone survey of mothers of infants 8, 10, and 12 months of age determined milk use during later infancy. A combination of data from the mail and telephone surveys for 1981 provided information on milk feeding patterns and demographic characteristics for the first 12 months of life. Maternal employment was shown to reduce the incidence and duration of breast-feeding.