Primary Care Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Support Breastfeeding

Importance The association between breastfeeding and health benefits in children has been previously well established; health benefits have also been found for women who breastfeed. However, breastfeeding rates in the US are relatively modest; as of 2021, 59.8% of infants at age 6 months are breastfed and 27.2% of infants at that age are exclusively breastfed. Objective The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the evidence on the benefits and harms of primary care behavioral counseling interventions to support breastfeeding. Population Adolescents and adults who are pregnant or postpartum, and their infants and children. Evidence Assessment The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that primary care behavioral counseling interventions to support breastfeeding have a moderate net benefit. Recommendation The USPSTF recommends providing interventions or referrals, during pregnancy and after birth, to support breastfeeding. (B recommendation)