Breastfeeding Education in Kindergarten Through 12th Grade: A Content Analysis of United States Health Curriculum Standards.
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BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding provides critical health benefits for both infants and mothers, yet misconceptions and social discomfort persist. Schools can play an essential role in shaping positive attitudes toward breastfeeding; however, little is known about how this topic is addressed in United States (US) curricula. METHODS: Using qualitative content analysis, the authors systematically examined kindergarten-12th grade (K-12) health education standards from all 50 US states to identify mentions of breastfeeding and related terms. RESULTS: Only three states' standards include breastfeeding as a beneficial practice, with Arkansas being the only state to mandate age-appropriate breastfeeding education. More frequently, states referenced breasts or breast milk in negative contexts related to breast cancer or human immunodeficiency virus. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: These findings reveal a national gap in state-required breastfeeding education in primary and secondary schools. Although this study did not assess classroom-, school-, and district-level practices, incorporating accurate and developmentally appropriate breastfeeding content into state-mandated learning standards may help ensure that all public-school students are exposed to this topic. Such integration has the potential to normalize breastfeeding and support broader public health objectives. CONCLUSIONS: To move toward a more equitable and health-promoting education system, breastfeeding should be formally integrated into K-12 health standards through clear curricular guidance and teacher support.