Supporting breastfeeding in the United States: the Surgeon General's call to action

Purpose of review To review the importance of breastfeeding as a public health strategy as outlined in the 2011 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Recent findings The release of the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services once again brings the issue of breastfeeding as an important public health strategy to the forefront. The Call to Action addresses individual, healthcare system and society-wide barriers to breastfeeding in the United States while providing concrete actions to optimize the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Summary Breastfeeding is a key component of protecting the health of mothers and infants in the United States. It is important that the healthcare community partners with employers, researchers, government leaders and community groups to embrace the action items that will enhance our support for those women who choose to breastfeed.