RESEARCH BRIEFS

Supporting Every Feeding Choice

Breastfeeding is a personal decision, and it is essential that all parents receive support regardless of the feeding method they choose. Some may be unable to breastfeed due to medical conditions, personal preferences, work obligations, or other individual circumstances. Respecting and supporting all feeding choices—whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both—is vital. Ultimately, the most important factor is that parents feel empowered and supported in making the decision that is best for their family.

BREASTFEEDING IN THE US

Closing the Gaps in US Breastfeeding Rates

Breastfeeding patterns in the U.S. show both progress and persistent disparities. A national analysis found that from 2016 to 2019, about 12.6% of birthmothers did not breastfeed. Around 60% breastfed through at least 3 months and about 55% were still breastfeeding at 6 months, with lower rates among younger mothers and those with less education or income. Early attitudes matter, according to research in the International Breastfeeding Journal. Pregnant women who strongly valued exclusive breastfeeding were more than twice as likely to meet 3- or 6-month exclusivity goals. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for at least a year, but many parents struggle with pumping and finding suitable spaces. While U.S. hospitals have increasingly joined the breastfeeding-supporting Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the absence of strong state-level public health and labor policies continues to limit nationwide breastfeeding success, another study shows. Broader evidence indicates that maternal knowledge, social support, early initiation, education, and income are strong predictors of exclusive breastfeeding success.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Breastfeeding Boosts Growth and Learning

Breastfeeding shows a wide range of positive effects on how children develop both physically and mentally. Research shows that infants who were breastfed—even if not exclusively—tended to reach language milestones like rhyming or naming emotions by ages 3–5 more often than those who were never breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months also appears to support better emotional and behavioral development, with longer durations linked to even stronger outcomes. In preterm infants, a study found that receiving breast milk was associated with improved cognitive outcomes and a lower risk of neurodevelopmental problems, although evidence around motor skills remains less clear. Even short-term breastfeeding (three to six months) may help reduce the risk of childhood obesity, especially among certain groups, according to another study. Additionally, research suggests that breastfeeding duration might influence children’s epigenetic patterns in later childhood, which could help explain long-term health benefits.

SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING IN ECE

Making Child Care Centers Breastfeeding-Friendly

Supporting breastfeeding in early care and education settings is important to infant health. Research shows that mothers often have low expectations for breastfeeding support, while educators face challenges like limited training, strict regulations, and time constraints. Tensions can arise when mothers request individualized feeding practices, revealing how workplace and child care environments can unintentionally undermine breastfeeding. Structured support and education for early childhood educators can improve breastfeeding practices within child care settings, another study shows. Separately, an e-learning program significantly boosted educators’ breastfeeding knowledge and skills, from handling breast milk to supporting mothers effectively. Together, these findings emphasize that policy, training, and practical programs can make child care centers strong allies for breastfeeding families.

BREASTFEEDING AND THE WORKPLACE

More Moms Breastfeed with Workplace Support

Workplace policies play a significant role in supporting breastfeeding mothers. A recent study found that rates of breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding, are higher in U.S. states with paid family leave compared to those without such leave. Research has shown that workplace breastfeeding laws can increase women’s participation in the workforce; however, one study also indicates that maternal employment—both paid and unpaid—affects decisions regarding the provision of a mother’s own milk for preterm infants. Workplaces that provide dedicated breastfeeding rooms and clear lactation policies report higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and longer breastfeeding duration among employees, studies show. Additionally, flexible work arrangements encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding while managing their job responsibilities.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

Support Helps Breastfeeding, But Pressure Can Hold It Back

Support for breastfeeding is strongest when mothers have access to well-resourced communities, culturally tailored programs, and psychological space—yet too much pressure can backfire. One study found that mothers in higher-resource neighborhoods were more likely to breastfeed, though this advantage didn’t extend to all women. A community-led Milk Share initiative combined donor human milk, maternal support, and strong local governance to reduce gaps in breastfeeding. Another study noted that although mothers value breastfeeding, barriers like exhaustion, isolation, limited professional help, and insufficient workplace protections frequently disrupt their experience—and peer, family, and online supports often help fill the gap. Other recent data suggests that strengthening maternity care practices and access to breastfeeding-friendly environments could help close socioeconomic gaps in breastfeeding rates. However research also indicates that mothers who perceive strong pressure to breastfeed—from themselves or societal expectations—reported poorer breastfeeding experiences and lower confidence in their ability to breastfeed.

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Boosting Breastfeeding: Advocacy and Policy

Breastfeeding advocacy is essential for raising public awareness and pushing for supportive policies that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully. A study in the International Breastfeeding Journal found that state laws and workplace protections influence exclusive breastfeeding rates among employed low-income mothers participating in the WIC program, highlighting the importance of supportive legislation. Advocacy also drives investment in implementing optimal breastfeeding practices globally, which the World Breastfeeding Costing Initiative estimates would require $17.5 billion annually. Research shows that programs at birthing facilities that improve breastfeeding support through staff training and better administration enhance breastfeeding initiation and duration. Additionally, policies that integrate breastfeeding into broader food security and public health frameworks are critical, especially in low-resource settings. Together, these advocacy and policy efforts create a comprehensive approach to support breastfeeding as a global health priority.

PDG ANNOUNCEMENT

TMCC Course to Deliver Developmentally Appropriate Practices to Districts across the State

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is introducing a course this fall on Developmentally Appropriate Foundations in Early Childhood Instruction (ECE 280). The course is a professional development opportunity designed for pre-K through 3rd grade educators and administrators. The curriculum is built on the foundational frameworks of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and the Nevada Educators Performance Framework (NEPF), and it examines the alignment between these two to implement evidence-based practices. The program has accepted 36 participants from 10 different school districts. These educators will share what they learned with colleagues and administrators through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Professional Development (PD) sessions, and other means to support a higher quality of early childhood education.

NEVADA EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Nevada ECAC is pleased to announce we have secured a vendor, Public Works LLC, to support our Strategic Planning session for the years 2025 - 2027.

As the Nevada Early Childhood Advisory Council works to strengthen state-level coordination and collaboration among the various sectors and settings of early childhood programs, Public Works believes in a holistic approach to education and prides themselves on bridging the gaps between the various sectors and programs. We are excited to start planning out the next few years while partnering with Public Works. If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to come to our next General ECAC Meeting on Sept 17, 2025 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Send us an email if you have questions or need assistance. Check out the meeting schedule on our website at: https://nvecac.com/advisory-council-membership/

Sabrina Jones, ECAC Systems Specialist

Email: sabrina.jones@doe.nv.gov

Brandi Hearst, ECAC Administrative Coordinator
Email: brandi.hearst@doe.nv.gov

SEPTEMBER AWARENESS TOPICS

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to learn about preventing obesity and addressing the stigma around it. The Southern Nevada Health District and other organizations across the country are promoting the 5-2-1-0 guidelines: eat 5 fruits and vegetables, limit recreational screen time to 2 hours, get 1 hour of physical activity, and drink no sugary beverages each day. These tips can help children and adults build healthier habits. Obesity is a long-term health condition that increases the risk for diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and it often continues into adulthood.

You can find more resources about childhood obesity on the Get Healthy Clark County and Viva Saludable websites.

Review 2025 Childhood Obesity Awareness Toolkit for more information.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

In Nevada, many children are fighting different types of cancer every day. This year, local cancer support groups expect to help nearly 40 new families in Northern Nevada and more than 600 families in Las Vegas. These numbers are a reminder of the ongoing need for support during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

Learn more about how to get involved at the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada website.

Find local resources through cure4thekids.org and national resources at acco.org.

Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Every September, the U.S. recognizes the importance of newborn screening, a program that checks about four million babies each year for serious health conditions present at birth. These screenings identify over 12,000 infants annually who have conditions that could cause severe disability or death if not treated early. Baby’s First Test uses this month to share facts, videos, and personal stories to help parents, healthcare providers, and the public understand and support newborn screening. More information is available at www.babysfirsttest.org.

Review this website about Newborn Screening in Nevada. Also, First Five Nevada has an early childhood screening event coming up on October 4, 2025.

Visit this link for information on Nevada Newborn Screening (Statewide) Program and this report for detailed information.