01 Jul USPSTF: Breastfeeding Interventions By Range of Professionals Can Increase Number and Duration of Babies Being Breastfed

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Davis

Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H.
Vice chair, USPSTF
Professor of Family and Community Medicine
Senior Associate Dean of Population and Community Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Breastfeeding can improve the health of babies, including reducing their risk of infections and chronic diseases, and can have health benefits for nursing mothers too. To help those who choose to, and are able to, breastfeed, the Task Force continues to recommend that healthcare professionals provide interventions or referrals during pregnancy and after birth that support breastfeeding. These interventions can include education and direct guidance on how to breastfeed.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Healthcare professionals can play a key role in improving the health of women and their babies by providing interventions that support breastfeeding. After reviewing the evidence, we found that these interventions can increase how many babies are breastfed and how long they continue to be breastfed. Interventions can be provided by a wide range of professionals, including health care providers, lactation consultants, and peer counselors who have training or experience with breastfeeding. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: More research is needed to assess whether or not interventions can help increase breastfeeding in those who are still considering if they want to breastfeed. There is also a need for more studies to better understand the barriers to breastfeeding and how to address those barriers. Ensuring access to effective support for all who want to breastfeed is essential, so the Task force is calling for more research on these important areas.  

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: While the health benefits of breastfeeding for babies are clear, many women face challenges getting the support they need. When talking to new parents about breastfeeding, clinicians should be mindful of challenges that may make it more difficult for some mothers to breastfeed, and that not all may choose to, or are able to, breastfeed.

Citations:

1.US Preventive Services Task Force. Primary Care Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Support Breastfeeding: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2025;333(17):1520–1526. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.3650
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2832389

2. Demirci JR, Standish K, Asiodu IV. Evidence Supports Breastfeeding Interventions in Primary Care, but Implementation Is Still Challenging.               JAMA. 2025;333(17):1495–1497. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.479
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2832392

3. Patnode CD, Senger CA, Coppola EL, Iacocca MO. Interventions to Support Breastfeeding:
Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review  for  the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2025;333(17):1527–1537. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.27267
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2832390

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Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD