Cooperative Extension's Role in Community Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration Rates
abstract
Breastmilk is widely recognized as the optimal nutrition source for infants and recommended as the only food infants should consume during the first six months of life. The short and long-term benefits of breastfeeding are recognized worldwide1. Workplaces, childcare facilities, and other community spaces that Extension serves where a mother and infant are likely to spend time during the postpartum period can greatly impact the initiation and duration likelihood of breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Friendly Organization (BFO) Recognition Program aims to garner community support for lactating mothers to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration, and is one component of the ALVSCE Family Friendly Initiative, currently under development and aiming to increase equitable policies, systems, and environments within the University of Arizona and beyond.
introduction
This program was designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration by targeting breastfeeding beyond the first six weeks, when mothers often return to work. The program is focused on worksites and other community locations in contact with lactating parents and children. The program’s intent is to build a knowledgeable community willing to create space, time and support for breastfeeding.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Program has demonstrated an improvement in breastfeeding knowledge and environmental support for breastfeeding mothers. Essential components of this program include increasing awareness of breastfeeding practices, creating public lactation sites, establishing breastfeeding policies that align with state and federal law, and generating advocates for breastfeeding mothers.
Cooperative Extension programs who participate in the Breastfeeding Friendly Program transform their own worksites into breastfeeding friendly spaces, and are given the tools and resources to implement a similar recognition program in community sites they serve. For example, the SNAP-Ed Program in Cochise County implements a “Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare” recognition project as well as maintaining breastfeeding friendly status within their Extension office.
methods
outcomes
promotional materials
Develop or enhance lactation policies
Professional development to increase knowledge of breastfeeding-friendly importance
Physical space restructuring to meet and exceed federal guidelines
Promotion of breastfeeding-friendly status, breastfeeding resources, and organizational policies and physical accommodations
Provision of promotional materials
Train-the-trainer Breastfeeding Guidebook: For Extension Professionals to learn how to certify other community organizations
Short: Increase knowledge of breastfeeding practices and positive attitudes toward breastfeeding.
Medium: Policies and procedures actively support lactation and are adhered to. Decreased absenteeism and increased employee-retention. Increased breastfeeding duration.
Long: Improved childhood outcomes, economies, and child and maternal health. Cultural acceptance of breastfeeding.
Promotional materials are available to all Extension staff. Available materials include door hangers, milk storage magnets, and window clings.
Example: Cochise County
This video showcases an example of how the Cochise County Cooperative Extension adapted the Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition program to meet community needs, collaborated with community partners, and integrated the initiative into existing programming. This seven-minute video is used to engage community sites and introduce concepts.
conclusion
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has a unique opportunity to support breastfeeding, for staff and the communities we serve. How does breastfeeding fit into Cooperative Extension mission and goals?
· Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, and is considered the “first food”
· Equitable policies, systems, and environments improves the lives of others
· Breastfeeding support bonding and attachment, the foundation of early learning and social-emotional development
Currently, four counties and 8 Extension offices have taken the first steps to become breastfeeding friendly. Want to know more about the Breastfeeding-Friendly program and how your Extension office can join the effort to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates? Contact us!
Christy Stuth
Associate Agent FCHS
Coconino and Mohave Counties
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