The editors of Fit Pregnancy considered a variety of factors in selecting the best cities in America to have a baby. Chances are what they found won’t surprise breastfeeding advocates. It seems that among different cities, breastfeeding rates varied by a factor of nearly three to one!

Traditionally breastfeeding rates have been the highest in the Northwestern portion of the US, so it’s no surprise that Portland, Oregon was recognized as the city with the highest breastfeeding rates and was among the five cities that topped the list of honorees.

According to the results, eighty-nine percent of Portland mothers initiate breastfeeding and 57 percent breastfeed six months or more. Portland also ranked among the highest in popularity of midwives and doulas.

Other top cities were Boston, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Omaha, Denver, Colorado Springs, Seattle, Oakland and San Diego with Jacksonville, Florida receiving honorable mention as the best city for childcare.

If your city isn’t among the top ten, ask yourself if there is anything you can do to improve breastfeeding rates in your state. Georgia is on my mind!