90.1%
of California babies were ever breastfed
This estimate applies to children born in 2022 and describes whether they received any breast milk at any point.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →Reference guide
Breastfeeding statistics in California and the U.S.
Current, citable figures for parents, educators, writers, and community partners. Last updated October 21, 2026.
Breastfeeding journeys are personal, and population data cannot predict what any one family will experience. These figures offer a clear picture of breastfeeding patterns and the continued need for practical support.
Cite this page68.5%
of California babies were breastfed at 6 months
The CDC estimate tracks any breastfeeding at six months among children born in 2022.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →41.5%
of California babies were breastfed at 12 months
This California estimate tracks continued breastfeeding at one year among children born in 2022.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →53.0%
were exclusively breastfed through 3 months
Exclusive breastfeeding means breast milk without other food or drinks, except prescribed medicines, vitamins, or minerals.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →28.6%
were exclusively breastfed through 6 months
This California estimate shows how support needs can continue well beyond the early newborn weeks.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →85.7%
of U.S. babies were ever breastfed
This national estimate, based on children born in 2022, gives useful context for California’s statewide figure.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →62.1%
of U.S. babies were breastfed at 6 months
The national estimate for children born in 2022 was 6.4 percentage points below California’s statewide rate.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →40.8%
of U.S. babies were breastfed at 12 months
This national estimate reflects continued breastfeeding at one year among children born in 2022.
Source: CDC, 2022 birth cohort →27.9%
of U.S. infants were exclusively breastfed through 6 months
This is the most recent national measure reported for 2022. The Healthy People 2030 national target is 42.4%.
Source: Healthy People 2030, 2022 →Why these numbers matter
Support often matters most after the first few weeks.
Starting breastfeeding is only one part of a family’s experience. Questions about latch, milk transfer, pumping, returning to work, and changing routines can come up at any stage. Families in Silicon Valley can book in-home support, while virtual consultations are available nationwide.
Methodology and sources
How to read this page
The California figures come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Immunization Survey estimates for children born in 2022. Estimates are statewide and should not be used to predict an individual family’s experience.
The national figures also use the National Immunization Survey - Child. The Healthy People 2030 target is included alongside the national six-month exclusive breastfeeding figure for context.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: California breastfeeding rates for children born in 2022 →
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: national breastfeeding rates for children born in 2022 →
- Healthy People 2030: exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months →
Last updated: October 21, 2026. This page is reviewed regularly as new public health data becomes available.
Pretty Mama Breastfeeding LLC. “Breastfeeding Statistics in California and the U.S.” Updated October 21, 2026. https://prettymb.org/breastfeeding-statistics
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