Indicator Gauge Icon Legend
Legend Colors
Red is bad, green is good, blue is not statistically different/neutral.
Compared to Distribution
the value is in the best half of communities.
the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.
the value is in the worst quarter of communities.
Compared to Target
meets target; 
does not meet target.
Compared to a Single Value
lower than the comparison value;
higher than the comparison value;
not statistically different from comparison value.
Trend
non-significant change over time; 
significant change over time; 
no change over time.
Compared to Prior Value
higher than the previous measurement period;
lower than the previous measurement period;
no statistically different change from previous measurement period.
Significantly better than the overall value
Significantly worse than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
No data on significance available
Percent of WIC Mothers Breastfeeding Exclusively
This indicator is archived and is no longer being updated. Click to learn more
This indicator shows the percentage of babies on WIC whose mothers reported breast-feeding exclusively at age 6 months.
Why is this important?
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the single best way to feed infants. Breast milk has health benefits for both infants and mothers. Breastfeeding improves the relationship between babies and mothers, and also improves the infant's immune system, resulting in fewer episodes of infectious illness. Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants and is easier to digest than breast milk alternatives. In addition, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer and may lower the risk of ovarian cancer in mothers. It has also been shown to be cost-effective for families. Currently, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends that babies be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months of life.
| County | Source | Measurement Period | Percent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
There are 105 County values. The lowest value is 0%, and the highest value is 42.9%.
Half of the values are between 14.7% and 26.2%.
The middle (median) value is 20.8%.
Data Source
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Maintained By: Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Filed under: Health / Maternal, Fetal & Infant Health, Health / Nutrition & Healthy Eating, Economy / Government Assistance, Health Behaviors, Children, Women