What does USPSTF recommend regarding breastfeeding support?

• A. Provide interventions or referrals during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding
• B. Do not provide any breastfeeding-specific support
• C. Only provide postpartum support, not during pregnancy
• D. Limit support to high-risk populations

Answer: (A)

Providing breastfeeding support through interventions or referrals during both pregnancy and after birth is recommended because preparation combined with ongoing help increases the chances of starting breastfeeding and continuing it for longer. The guidance rests on evidence that counseling and access to lactation support—such as lactation consultants, peer support, and community resources—improve initiation rates and duration, benefiting infant health and maternal experience. In practice, this means offering breastfeeding counseling and arranging referrals across prenatal visits and the postpartum period, so families receive support when they need it most. Limiting support to only postpartum, or only to high‑risk groups, or providing no support, does not align with the evidence and reduces opportunities to improve outcomes.