Survey: Breast-Feeding Rate Peaks In U.S.

More and more moms are choosing to breast-feed infants, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Researchers at Abbott Laboratories mailed about 1.4 million questionnaires to new mothers in 2001, and compared the results with those mailed in 1996. The results are published in the December issue of Pediatrics.

The survey found that 69.5 percent of mothers began breast-feeding in 2001 -- more than ever before. The rates of breast-feeding babies until they reached 6 months was also at a record high, at 32.5 percent.

They also found that rates of breast-feeding increased most among groups who have historically been less likely to breast-feed, such as black mothers and mothers under 20.