Lactation Consultant Access and Breastfeeding Outcomes in the United States: Cross-Sectional Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breastfeeding provides unmatched health, developmental, and economic benefits to both infants and mothers, yet breastfeeding continuation rates remain suboptimal in the United States, especially beyond the early postpartum period. Despite well-documented advantages, many mothers face challenges that lead to early cessation, including lack of access to skilled lactation support. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are considered the clinical gold standard in lactation care, but their availability varies widely across states. Understanding how IBCLC access relates to breastfeeding outcomes at the population level is critical to informing equitable public health interventions.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine whether state-leve

SUBMITTER: Dockins JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12288860 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature