Each year since 1994, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted the National Immunization Survey (NIS) within all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and selected geographic areas within the states.

In 2001, questions about breastfeeding practices were introduced as part of a pilot project. Since 2003, these breastfeeding questions have been asked of all survey respondents to discern population-wide breastfeeding practices.

The 2005 NIS results provide estimates of breastfeeding practices (initiation, duration, and exclusivity) nationwide, as well as state-specific breastfeeding rates.

Only five states - California, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington - achieved all three Healthy People 2010 Breastfeeding Objectives. Achieving these objectives means that 75 percent of mothers initiated breastfeeding; 50 percent breastfed for at least 6 months; and 25 percent breastfed for at least 1 year.

Rates of “ever breastfeeding” increased in four out of five states, but rates of “exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months” decreased in one out of two states.

Despite data showing the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, only one state - Oregon - achieved an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 25 percent or higher through 6 months. Kudos to Oregon!