The Effect of Hospital Breastfeeding Policies on Infant Health

Emily C. Lawler and Meghan Skira

No 34032, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: We study the effects of state hospital regulations intended to increase breastfeeding by requiring certain care standards during the postpartum hospital stay. Policy adoption increased breastfeeding initiation by 3.3–4.1 percentage points (4.2–5.2 percent) and breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum by 6–9 percent. Further, following adoption, infant mortality declined by 0.2 deaths per 1,000 live births (3.5 percent), and infant hospitalization charges fell. Declines in mortality and charges primarily occurred among medically vulnerable infants, consistent with evidence that breast milk supports immune development. Additional evidence suggests that improvements in infant sleep practices also played a role in reducing mortality.

JEL-codes: D13 I12 I18 J13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-07
Note: CH EH
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