According to national statistics, seventy-five percent of new mothers in Maryland initiate breastfeeding when their babies are born, however only 18 percent are still breastfeeding at 12 months. Most health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and that breastfeeding continues along with supplementary foods for the remainder of the first year.

The Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Initiative rewards companies and organizations that support breastfeeding women that return to work.  Women who are provided with a place to express their milk have higher workplace morale and improved productivity.  In addition, women who breastfeed have lower rates of absenteeism from work compared to formula feeding mothers since breastfed babies are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, allergies, asthma, and pneumonia. Studies have estimated $400 savings on health care costs during the first year of life of a breastfed baby. Medical prescription costs alone are cut by 50%.