New research reveals that women who use breast pumps to store milk for their infants breastfeed, on average, 21 weeks longer than those who don’t.
A study conducted by Yale University and published in the ‘Journal of Pediatrics’ found that 91% of mothers surveyed had used a breast pump.
The research, which analyzed data from over 19,000 U.S. mothers between 2016 and 2021, showed that breast pumps significantly extend breastfeeding duration by nearly five months and decrease the likelihood of early cessation.
This finding highlights the importance of breast pump access, particularly for addressing breastfeeding duration disparities among Black and Native American women.
The study underscores the impact of the Affordable Care Act, which mandates insurance coverage for breast pumps, in supporting longer breastfeeding periods.
Peoplesmind
