Washington: Breastfeeding Friendly Community Health Center

The Washington (state) Department of Health (DOH) and its partner, Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington, are working on a new outreach program - Washington Steps Up for Breastfeeding Success! This program uses current, evidence-based interventions to support breastfeeding. We are targeting hospitals, community health clinics, employers, and child care centers. We hope to achieve a collective impact on breastfeeding rates by working with these partners. Phase I involved hospitals developing policies and systems, and training staff to support breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Supplemental funding supported Phase II of this program - The Breastfeeding Success in Health Care Centers Project. Washington DOH funded and provided technical assistance to ten clinics to adopt best practices. The goal was to increase the exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding in underserved communities, including the following populations: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Latino. The overall aim was to improve breastfeeding success among post-discharge mothers and babies. The agency also funded the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington to provide technical support. They also developed support materials. The remaining funding went to the University of Washington to evaluate the project. This work supports the Nutrition and Physical Activity State Plan. To accomplish this work, the following were provided: self-assessment tool and an action plan for change; a self-reporting tool to track progress; an evaluation process; staff training; technical assistance for evidence-based services that support breastfeeding; a website with ready-made resources and tools.