Historically, the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration among African-American and Latino women have been lower than for other women. At the Martha Eliot Health Center, in 1998 the postpartum breastfeeding rate for Latino women at hospital discharge was 75%, compared to 12% for African-American women. In response to these low numbers, the Breastfeeding Task Force was created at the Martha Eliot Health Center.The purpose of the Task Force is to examine the barriers to breastfeeding initiation and duration in this population of urban women, and to develop and implement solutions. The Task Force is composed of prenatal, WIC, post partum providers and a home visiting team. Breastfeeding education is offered prenatally to every pregnant woman in the health center. Postpartum, all women receive intensive breast feeding education and support in the hospital. Every woman is offered a postpartum home visit by a nurse and a family health advocate. Finally, all breastfed infants are referred to Pediatrics for a weight check within the first week of life.The objective of this presentation will be to discuss the barriers to breastfeeding in this population, and the strategies to improve breastfeeding outcomes. These include working collaboratively with community, health center and hospital providers. We will discuss how these interventions and supportive care have improved breastfeeding rates. The participants will gain an understanding of how a public health concern in a community health setting can be addressed, and solutions implemented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify and assess barriers to breastfeeding initiation and duration in an inner city community. 2. Develop strategies to increase breastfeeding rates and improve outcomes. 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies to improve breastfeeding results
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Breastfeeding
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.