New USPSTF recommendations emphasize support for breastfeeding
Primary care interventions, such as education and support, effectively promote breastfeeding up to 6 months, improving rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding, according to the USPSTF.
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In a recent report, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has reaffirmed the importance of breastfeeding and recommended that primary care providers offer interventions and support to women during and after pregnancy to promote breastfeeding. This recommendation is based on a systematic review of evidence that confirms the benefits of breastfeeding interventions.1
Key findings
The USPSTF's review, detailed in a supporting evidence report, involved a thorough analysis of 90 randomized clinical trials. These trials, which included data from over 49,000 women and their infants, evaluated the effectiveness of various breastfeeding support interventions. The interventions studied varied in their timing, delivery methods, and duration, but generally included education and support from professionals or peers.2
Impact on breastfeeding rates
The review found consistent evidence that breastfeeding support interventions increase the likelihood of both any and exclusive breastfeeding up to six months postpartum. For example, at six months, the likelihood of any breastfeeding was 13% higher in the intervention groups, while exclusive breastfeeding was 46% higher.2 However, the review did not find evidence that interventions significantly affected breastfeeding initiation rates.
Infant and maternal health outcomes
The evidence review also examined the impact of breastfeeding support interventions on infant and maternal health. While some trials suggested positive effects on infant health outcomes, such as reduced health care utilization, these findings were not consistently significant. Similarly, interventions generally showed improvements in maternal mental health symptoms, but these differences were often not statistically significant.2
Harms and implementation
The review found limited evidence of harm associated with breastfeeding support interventions. Most trials reported no adverse events, and there was no indication of increased anxiety or depression among mothers in the intervention groups. The USPSTF emphasizes that effective interventions can take various forms and should be tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the women and families they serve.
Conclusion
The evidence review highlighted that many trials focused on populations with socioeconomic disadvantages and racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates. Researchers noted that while the included studies predominantly involved women intending to breastfeed, more research is needed to understand how interventions can support those who are undecided or facing barriers to breastfeeding.
The USPSTF's reaffirmed recommendation and the supporting evidence review underscore the importance of breastfeeding and the effectiveness of interventions to support it. By promoting and providing access to these interventions, primary care providers can play a crucial role in improving breastfeeding rates and the health of mothers and infants.1
References:
1. US Preventive Service Task Force. Primary Care Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Support Breastfeeding US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.3650
2. Patnode CD, Senger CA, Coppola EL, Lacocca ME, US Preventive Service Task Force. Interventions to Support Breastfeeding Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.27267
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