Evidence-Based Strategies to Promote and Support Breastfeeding

CDC DNPAO Breastfeeding Work Group

State Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity ProgramsAnnual Training Meeting

March 18, 2010

Percent Initiating Breastfeeding Among Children Born in 2006

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/NIS_data/2006/map_1.htm

Percent Breastfeeding at 6 Months Among Children Born in 2006

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/NIS_data/2006/map_2.htm

Blacks - Initiation

Whites - Initiation

Blacks - 6 months

Whites - 6 months

0

20

40

60

80

100

1983 1988 1993 1998 2003Year

Black-White Gap in Breastfeeding

Data Sources: Pre-2000 – Ross Mothers’ Survey; 2000-present – CDC National Immunization Survey

Perc

ent

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Peer Support

Definition: Local programs that provide mothers with the knowledge & training they need to give breastfeeding information and support to other mothers in their communities.

Evidence: Peer support increases breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.

Definition: Strategies to improve health professionals’ abilities to include recommended breastfeeding support in the care they provide.

Evidence: Professional support increases breastfeeding duration & exclusivity, especially when provided with other support interventions.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Professional Support

Definition: Inclusion of breastfeeding education in maternal education programs.

Evidence: Educating mothers increases breastfeeding initiation & duration.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Maternal Education

Definition: Tools to communicate about & support breastfeeding programs.

Evidence: Media campaigns & social marketing may improve attitudes towards breastfeeding.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Media & Social Marketing

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Maternity Care

Definition: Policies to improve health care practices that influence breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.

Evidence: Institutional changes effectively increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Maternity Care

Approach: Implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Collaborate with strategic partners to identify opportunities to support mothers to breastfeed:

California State Example

Suzanne Haydu, MPH, RDLeona Shields, PHN, RN, NP, MFT

Definition: Policies and programs to support employed mothers to begin and continue breastfeeding.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Employment

Evidence: Continued breastfeeding depends on women’s ability to breastfeed/express milk during work hours.

Approach: Implementpolicies and programs thatensure equitable support from employers and child care providers for continued breastfeeding.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Employment

Encourage employers to implement or expand support for employed mothers addressing:

Colorado State Example

Eric Aakko

Georgia Community Example

Carol Hendrix, BS, IBCLC

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – CoalitionsDefinition: Strategic and multisectoral

national, state, and local collaborations to improve breastfeeding rates.

Evidence: Emerging, with strong evidence from related health topics that multisectoral collaboration enhances effectiveness, sustainability, and reach of health promotion efforts.

CDC Breastfeeding Strategies – Coalitions

Approach: Engage state and local breastfeeding coalitions as strategic partners in statewide obesity prevention programs.

Leverage partnerships to more effectively meet mutually identified goals:

Washington State Example

Kyle Unland

In Conclusion…• Evidence-based strategies exist across SEM

– Policy and environmental approach increases health equity

• Funded states’ BF priorities:– Policy and environmental strategies to improve

maternity care and support for employed mothers– Collaboration with state and local BF coalitions

• Partner states are excellent sources of information and lessons learned– Expertise in specific settings can be applied

elsewhere

For Further Information:(see handout for details)

CDC Breastfeeding Info: www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding

US Breastfeeding Committee: www.usbreastfeeding.org

Maternity Care:State and national data from the CDC mPINC Survey

Employment:CDC Healthier Worksite Initiative

HHS Business Case for Breastfeeding

National Business Group on Health

Coalitions:US Breastfeeding Committee

In your handout:

US Breastfeeding Committee Strategic Plan

Maternity Care:Principles of Health Care Ethics and the WHO/UNICEF 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

Employment:National Business Group on Health Issue Brief: Workplace Breastfeeding Programs: Employer Case Studies

Coalitions:CoalitionsWork™ Tools and Resources

CDC Breastfeeding Work GroupCo-LeadsCarol MacGowan (770) 488-5626 cmacgowan@cdc.gov Katherine Shealy (770) 488-5449 kshealy@cdc.gov

Division Members

The findings and conclusions in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.