MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

MMWR News Synopsis for Febuary 07, 2013

Progress in Increasing Breastfeeding and Reducing Racial/Ethnic Differences — United States, 2000 and 2008 Births

New Feature: CDC's Division of News and Electronic Media will be periodically providing recorded video clips on MMWR articles from CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden. Please look for these links next to the stories listed below.

No MMWR telebriefing scheduled for Febuary 07, 2013.

1.Progress in Increasing Breastfeeding and Reducing Racial/Ethnic Differences — United States, 2000 and 2008 Births

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Division of News & Electronic Media
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More African American mothers are starting and continuing to breastfeed, but gaps in breastfeeding rates still persist. National rates of breastfeeding increased from 2000 to 2008 among African American, white and Hispanic infants. More African American infants are starting and continuing to be breastfed and the differences between this population and whites seem to be narrowing. Despite these increases, rates of breastfeeding were consistently lowest among African American infants, suggesting these mothers may face unique barriers and need additional, targeted breastfeeding support. Less than 30 percent of all infants were breastfed for one year, which is the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation. This may indicate that all mothers need more support to continue breastfeeding.

Notes from the Field

Botulism from Drinking Prison-Made Illicit Alcohol — Arizona, 2012

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES