LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for April 2004

"HHS Blueprint to Boost Breast-Feeding"

Author: Carol Lewis

FDA Consum 2003 May-June; 37(3):12-7

The importance of breastfeeding has been recognized as one of the most valuable contributors to infant health during the last 15 years, due to decades of scientific research and years of proactive measures.

To further this work the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in the US, in cooperation with other agencies and organizations, including La Leche League International, developed a national breastfeeding policy called the HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding. The goal is to increase the numbers of mothers breastfeeding at birth to 75% and at six months to 50%. To increase breastfeeding rates it has been realized that perceived barriers to breastfeeding must be removed from breastfeeding mothers. Obstacles to breastfeeding include lack of education about the management of breastfeeding and returning to employment and breastfeeding. Racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates are significant and these issues are also being addressed.

This paper is being categorized with the following KEYWORDS:
Promotion
Public Health
Professional Attitudes
Trends
LLLI

This article is available at:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2003/303_baby.html

Additional Information:

For additional information about medications and breastfeeding refer to the book:

Hale, T. Medications and Mother's Milk, 11th ed. Amarillo, Texas: Pharmasoft 2004.

This book is carried in the La Leche League International Catalogue.

Ideally, breast milk comes from a baby's own mother. But when this is not possible, banked donor milk provides a valuable nutritional and immunological resource. Milk banks are available in many countries.

Below are links to some milk banks.

United Kingdom www.ukamb.org
United States www.hmbana.org