Breastfeeding Rates by Country 2026

In the pediatric world, there is a saying that “breast is best.” This means that breast milk is best for newborn babies. However, a significant percentage of the total babies born in the world each day are not breastfed. Mothers may not breastfeed for a number of reasons, ranging from cultural mores to medical concerns. In general, breastfeeding is still the most popular way to ensure newborn babies get the nutrition they need.

Which Country Has the Highest Rate of Breastfeeding?

Rwanda and Sri Lanka tie for the highest rate of breastfeeding in the world, with almost 81 percent of all babies born in these countries breastfed for their first six months. Some of the other countries that also have very high rates of breastfeeding include Burundi, Zambia, and Peru. All of these countries have breastfeeding rates greater than 65 percent.

What Is the Breastfeeding Rate in the United States?

The United States has a relatively low breastfeeding rate for the first six months at only 25.8%. A much larger percentage of all babies in the United States are breastfed at birth; however, by 6 months of age, which is when babies should still be breastfed, only a much smaller number of infants are still being fed by breast. So, the United States does not rank as high on breastfeeding charts as many people believe.

Why Are Babies Not Breastfed?

Some babies are not breastfed for as long as others for many reasons. For example, in some situations, mothers need to go back to work. Consequently, they may not be able to breastfeed their babies for very long. Babies may still get breast milk, but not necessarily directly from the breast. Some mothers prefer to use a pump and then feed their babies using a bottle.

Other reasons may be at play, as well. For example, some babies do not live in a house with a mother. They may have a single father or two fathers. In such cases, a woman might not be available to breastfeed them.

Finally, some mothers developed complications. They may not be able to breastfeed their babies due to a double mastectomy as a result of breast cancer, or due to a serious infection of the nipple. Such conditions prevent babies from being able to feed directly from the breast.

Why Is Breast Milk Recommended?

Breastfeeding is recommended for newborn babies for many reasons. Breast milk contains powerful antibodies that can protect the baby during the first few months of his or her life. Until babies get vaccinated, they are very vulnerable, as they might not be able to fight off certain infections. Breast milk has antibodies that can make this easier. In addition, breastfeeding is recommended because it gives an opportunity for the mother to bond with her child. That is why a lot of OBGYNs and pediatricians recommend that mothers breastfeed their babies for the first year of life.