Researchers mentioned in the journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on Tuesday that most hospitals in the US are still not able to provide good job in helping new moms who want to do breastfeeding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading national public health institute of the US, surveyed more than 80% centers where birth takes place to find out the help they give to new moms in breast-feed. Only 5 out of 10 practices suggested by the World Health Organization are implemented by the centers, as per the survey. Six months is the apt duration that is required to be most nourishing for babies.

Dr. Tom Frieden, the director of the CDC, told reporters at a press conference, “We've seen significant progress in recent years. But there's still more to be done, hospitals really need to support women before, during and after their hospital stay”.

There are only few hospitals that support new moms’ breastfeeding even after they leave the hospital. Such hospitals also keep check on new moms by connecting them with lactation consultants.

Cria Perrine, epidemiologist who led the study, said such support is essential for new moms in their initial period of breastfeeding.

Most mothers said quitting breastfeeding is better to avoid pain and other issues like not enough production of milk or the baby is not able to lactate properly, which will lack in its nutrition.

Perrine said these problems can be tackled with professional support, especially in the early days when moms go home from hospital.
"Even a little bit of formula may undermine strong start to breastfeeding," Frieden says.

"These problems can be overcome with early professional support," Perrine says, especially in the first few days after moms go home from the hospital.