It's Worth It Newsletter Summer 2021
Welcome to the National Breastfeeding Month (August 2021) edition of Connecticut Department of Public Health's (DPH) Breastfeeding: It's Worth It! eNewsletter!
This eNewsletter is produced in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders with funding from the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention’s (CDC) State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program. DPH is funded by SPAN to implement breastfeeding promotion and support activities in healthcare, communities and workplaces through 2023.
This eNewsletter is produced in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders with funding from the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention’s (CDC) State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program. DPH is funded by SPAN to implement breastfeeding promotion and support activities in healthcare, communities and workplaces through 2023.
National Breastfeeding Month 2021: Every Step of the Way
Each August, breastfeeding advocates across the country, led by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), celebrate National Breastfeeding Month. This year’s theme is “Every Step of the Way.” From USBC: We envision a world in which every family is supported at every step along the infant feeding journey, with warm and coordinated hand-offs and transitions so that the needs of lactating families and those who support them are anticipated and met, every step of the way. The Continuity of Care Blueprint project in partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), described below, is being launched on August 24 and supports this year’s theme.
In addition to the overarching monthly theme, there are also weekly observances with national and international partners, described below. You can learn more about NBM and hear from founders of each of the weeks by viewing the video on the USBC Facebook page.
The first week in August is always World Breastfeeding Week, the theme this year is Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility. While we recognize that for many families support at the individual level is critical, breastfeeding must be considered a public health issue that requires action and buy-in at all levels - healthcare, community, worksites - and all aspects of society. Activities implemented through the State’s SPAN funds, in partnership with varied and diverse community organizations, are working to ensure a warm chain of support for Connecticut's breastfeeding families. Some of those activities are highlighted in this issue. Get involved with #WBW2021! We need everyone to take action to focus on how breastfeeding contributes to survival, health and wellbeing for Connecticut.
National Breastfeeding Month Weekly Observances
World Breastfeeding Week Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility (August 1-7)
Several hospitals and local WIC agencies are having small World Breastfeeding Week events for their clients. Check with your local agency to find out if there’s an event near you.
Native Breastfeeding Week Nourishing Our Futures (August 8-14)
Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Week Reclaiming Our Traditions (August 15-21)
Black Breastfeeding Week The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power (August 25-31)
New Haven area advocates are gathering virtually on August 26 from 1-3 pm for a virtual celebration of Black Mothers Breastfeeding Week. Come and hear from your peers, learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, get connected to community resources, and join an optional nurse-in during the virtual event. All are welcome! Registration information coming soon.
Each August, breastfeeding advocates across the country, led by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), celebrate National Breastfeeding Month. This year’s theme is “Every Step of the Way.” From USBC: We envision a world in which every family is supported at every step along the infant feeding journey, with warm and coordinated hand-offs and transitions so that the needs of lactating families and those who support them are anticipated and met, every step of the way. The Continuity of Care Blueprint project in partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), described below, is being launched on August 24 and supports this year’s theme.
In addition to the overarching monthly theme, there are also weekly observances with national and international partners, described below. You can learn more about NBM and hear from founders of each of the weeks by viewing the video on the USBC Facebook page.
The first week in August is always World Breastfeeding Week, the theme this year is Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility. While we recognize that for many families support at the individual level is critical, breastfeeding must be considered a public health issue that requires action and buy-in at all levels - healthcare, community, worksites - and all aspects of society. Activities implemented through the State’s SPAN funds, in partnership with varied and diverse community organizations, are working to ensure a warm chain of support for Connecticut's breastfeeding families. Some of those activities are highlighted in this issue. Get involved with #WBW2021! We need everyone to take action to focus on how breastfeeding contributes to survival, health and wellbeing for Connecticut.
National Breastfeeding Month Weekly Observances
World Breastfeeding Week Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility (August 1-7)
Several hospitals and local WIC agencies are having small World Breastfeeding Week events for their clients. Check with your local agency to find out if there’s an event near you.
Native Breastfeeding Week Nourishing Our Futures (August 8-14)
Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Week Reclaiming Our Traditions (August 15-21)
Black Breastfeeding Week The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power (August 25-31)
New Haven area advocates are gathering virtually on August 26 from 1-3 pm for a virtual celebration of Black Mothers Breastfeeding Week. Come and hear from your peers, learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, get connected to community resources, and join an optional nurse-in during the virtual event. All are welcome! Registration information coming soon.
COVID-19 vaccine information and resources
Is the COVID vaccine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people and their babies?
Many pregnant and breastfeeding parents, their families, and healthcare providers have questions about the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions and would like expert support to weigh your options, MotherToBaby CT is a FREE resource in Connecticut that can help. You can also follow the national MotherToBaby website for information related to COVID-19: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/covid-19/.
In addition to helping you with information about the COVID vaccine, the experienced MotherToBaby CT counselors can provide science-based information on many different medications and substances to help you (parent or healthcare provider) assess the risks or know that a medication is safe for you and your baby.
Mother to Baby CT is free, confidential, and has up-to-date information on all types of exposures for people considering a pregnancy, pregnant, or nursing. This service can also provide information to health care providers. Information provided by MotherToBaby CT is for educational purposes only. Decisions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and any other health care decisions must be made in consultation with your health care provider.
Contact MotherToBaby CT: [email protected] or 860-679-6199 (Email is a fast and reliable way to reach them while they continue to transition back to the office.)
Many pregnant and breastfeeding parents, their families, and healthcare providers have questions about the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions and would like expert support to weigh your options, MotherToBaby CT is a FREE resource in Connecticut that can help. You can also follow the national MotherToBaby website for information related to COVID-19: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/covid-19/.
In addition to helping you with information about the COVID vaccine, the experienced MotherToBaby CT counselors can provide science-based information on many different medications and substances to help you (parent or healthcare provider) assess the risks or know that a medication is safe for you and your baby.
Mother to Baby CT is free, confidential, and has up-to-date information on all types of exposures for people considering a pregnancy, pregnant, or nursing. This service can also provide information to health care providers. Information provided by MotherToBaby CT is for educational purposes only. Decisions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and any other health care decisions must be made in consultation with your health care provider.
Contact MotherToBaby CT: [email protected] or 860-679-6199 (Email is a fast and reliable way to reach them while they continue to transition back to the office.)
Healthcare
Ready, Set, Baby! Translated to Spanish
DPH, in partnership with the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI) would like to invite you to the launch of the Ready, Set, Baby! website in Spanish, https://enespanol.readysetbabyonline.com.
This web adaptation of the English Ready, Set, Baby webpage was made possible through CDC SPAN funding. The website contains all the content of the original Ready, Set, Baby curriculum and allows expectant parents to choose a self-paced experience to prepare for their breastfeeding journey. Some of the content sections allow visitors to answer questions and earn “badges.” Once completing a section, visitors can download or save a certificate to show they have reviewed the information.
The English version of the Ready, Set, Baby! webpage was launched in Spring of 2020, at a time when stay-at-home orders were commonplace and many in-person lactation classes were suspended. DPH and CGBI are alerting the breastfeeding support community to this additional resource to provide expectant parents with translated resources that are responsive, engaging and can assist them in planning for successful breastfeeding. An Arabic site is in development and should be available by late 2021.
DPH, in partnership with the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI) would like to invite you to the launch of the Ready, Set, Baby! website in Spanish, https://enespanol.readysetbabyonline.com.
This web adaptation of the English Ready, Set, Baby webpage was made possible through CDC SPAN funding. The website contains all the content of the original Ready, Set, Baby curriculum and allows expectant parents to choose a self-paced experience to prepare for their breastfeeding journey. Some of the content sections allow visitors to answer questions and earn “badges.” Once completing a section, visitors can download or save a certificate to show they have reviewed the information.
The English version of the Ready, Set, Baby! webpage was launched in Spring of 2020, at a time when stay-at-home orders were commonplace and many in-person lactation classes were suspended. DPH and CGBI are alerting the breastfeeding support community to this additional resource to provide expectant parents with translated resources that are responsive, engaging and can assist them in planning for successful breastfeeding. An Arabic site is in development and should be available by late 2021.
Baby Friendly Hospitals and Birthing Facilities in Connecticut
Baby Friendly designation requires that a birthing center meets high standards for infant feeding and provides families who want to breastfeed with support. Baby Friendly hospitals follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. In Connecticut there are 11 Baby Friendly hospitals and according to the Breastfeeding Report Card United States, 2018 46% of babies are born in facilities that meet the designation (Sources: Baby-Friendly USA, 2018 and National Center for Health Statistics, 2017).
If you are pregnant and deciding where to have your baby, consider a Baby Friendly designated facility, www.babyfriendlyusa.org/for-parents/find-a-baby-friendly-facility
For hospital staff, we hope you will consider joining the Connecticut Ten Steps Collaborative. Organized by the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC), hospital staff gather (virtually) each month to provide support, exchange resources, and hear from experts related to topics of interest within lactation. Originally started to support hospitals in achieving Baby Friendly designation, the Connecticut Ten Steps Collaborative is much more than just Baby Friendly. Contact CBC Board member Kathy Mason, [email protected] to join the group.
Baby Friendly Hospitals and Birthing Facilities in Connecticut
Baby Friendly designation requires that a birthing center meets high standards for infant feeding and provides families who want to breastfeed with support. Baby Friendly hospitals follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. In Connecticut there are 11 Baby Friendly hospitals and according to the Breastfeeding Report Card United States, 2018 46% of babies are born in facilities that meet the designation (Sources: Baby-Friendly USA, 2018 and National Center for Health Statistics, 2017).
If you are pregnant and deciding where to have your baby, consider a Baby Friendly designated facility, www.babyfriendlyusa.org/for-parents/find-a-baby-friendly-facility
For hospital staff, we hope you will consider joining the Connecticut Ten Steps Collaborative. Organized by the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC), hospital staff gather (virtually) each month to provide support, exchange resources, and hear from experts related to topics of interest within lactation. Originally started to support hospitals in achieving Baby Friendly designation, the Connecticut Ten Steps Collaborative is much more than just Baby Friendly. Contact CBC Board member Kathy Mason, [email protected] to join the group.
Community Support
Continuity of Care Blueprint Launches August 24, 2021
NACCHO, together with USBC, has been convening partners across the country to develop the Continuity of Care in Breastfeeding Support: A Blueprint for Communities.
“Developed with a public health lens, the Blueprint aims to increase local capacity to implement community-driven approaches to support chest/breastfeeding. Its recommendations are centered on the needs of populations disproportionately impacted by structural barriers that lead to low rates of breastfeeding. Its goal is to ensure that chest/breastfeeding support services are continuous, accessible, and coordinated, and that community spaces are consistently supportive of chest/breastfeeding families. The Blueprint is intended for any local-level organization and individual that interacts with pregnant and postpartum families.” - NACCHO
The launch event will take place on August 24, at 1 pm. Register at http://bit.ly/CoCBlueprintLaunch.
The Blueprint launch event will kick-off an 8-part webinar series on chest/breastfeeding Continuity of Care, entitled #EveryStepoftheWay through the 1,000 days.
NACCHO, together with USBC, has been convening partners across the country to develop the Continuity of Care in Breastfeeding Support: A Blueprint for Communities.
“Developed with a public health lens, the Blueprint aims to increase local capacity to implement community-driven approaches to support chest/breastfeeding. Its recommendations are centered on the needs of populations disproportionately impacted by structural barriers that lead to low rates of breastfeeding. Its goal is to ensure that chest/breastfeeding support services are continuous, accessible, and coordinated, and that community spaces are consistently supportive of chest/breastfeeding families. The Blueprint is intended for any local-level organization and individual that interacts with pregnant and postpartum families.” - NACCHO
The launch event will take place on August 24, at 1 pm. Register at http://bit.ly/CoCBlueprintLaunch.
The Blueprint launch event will kick-off an 8-part webinar series on chest/breastfeeding Continuity of Care, entitled #EveryStepoftheWay through the 1,000 days.
ZipMilk - Find lactation help near you!
Zipmilk is a service created to help make finding lactation support easier for breastfeeding people by maintaining an easy to search database that has a variety of different lactation supports. The ZipMilk website shares the “landscape of lactation support, searchable by zip code, maintained by local experts!” The CT Breastfeeding Coalition participates in ZipMilk and maintains provider listings for our state.
For professionals in the field, you simply apply to have your services added to the Network for the state through just a few quick and easy steps. Providers, add your information so families can find you: https://www.zipmilk.org/providers/new.
For parents who are looking for a little help, enter a zip code and select the type of assistance needed. There are IBCLCs, free support groups, health professionals and a variety of websites listed with a focus on breastfeeding support. Families, look up providers near you: www.zipmilk.org.
Zipmilk is a service created to help make finding lactation support easier for breastfeeding people by maintaining an easy to search database that has a variety of different lactation supports. The ZipMilk website shares the “landscape of lactation support, searchable by zip code, maintained by local experts!” The CT Breastfeeding Coalition participates in ZipMilk and maintains provider listings for our state.
For professionals in the field, you simply apply to have your services added to the Network for the state through just a few quick and easy steps. Providers, add your information so families can find you: https://www.zipmilk.org/providers/new.
For parents who are looking for a little help, enter a zip code and select the type of assistance needed. There are IBCLCs, free support groups, health professionals and a variety of websites listed with a focus on breastfeeding support. Families, look up providers near you: www.zipmilk.org.
Share Your Story
We want to hear from everyone who has a breastfeeding (It’s Worth It!) story: Parents (moms, dads, and those who identify as either or more), grandparents, health providers, clinical professionals, employers and policy makers. Even though many moms and babies can face breastfeeding challenges, with community support you can overcome those challenges and thrive. Like many moms we have talked to over the years, it’s not always easy, but breastfeeding - It’s Worth It! Your personal story can make a difference to another family. We are in this together and there is a community in Connecticut of families who can encourage each other. Submit your stories here.
We want to hear from everyone who has a breastfeeding (It’s Worth It!) story: Parents (moms, dads, and those who identify as either or more), grandparents, health providers, clinical professionals, employers and policy makers. Even though many moms and babies can face breastfeeding challenges, with community support you can overcome those challenges and thrive. Like many moms we have talked to over the years, it’s not always easy, but breastfeeding - It’s Worth It! Your personal story can make a difference to another family. We are in this together and there is a community in Connecticut of families who can encourage each other. Submit your stories here.
Workplace Lactation Accommodation
Help Connecticut Make it Work! Become a Breastfeeding-Friendly Worksite
Breastfeeding and working do go together! Ensuring that employees have what they need to continue breastfeeding/chestfeeding when they return to work after the birth of a child is good for an employer’s bottom line! Reduced employee turnover rates and lower health care costs are just two benefits. Working together, employees and employers are often able to find solutions that work well for everyone. Check out these short YouTube videos from the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition with ideas for Employers and Employees.
State and federal laws protect a parent's right to express milk at work during breaks in a clean, private place that is not a restroom. Our partners at the CBC can help you to ensure that your worksite is compliant with these laws, and in the process your worksite can achieve state-wide recognition as a Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite! The application is online and easier than you may think. Contact the CBC if you have any questions, [email protected], 203-699-MILK (6455).
Breastfeeding and working do go together! Ensuring that employees have what they need to continue breastfeeding/chestfeeding when they return to work after the birth of a child is good for an employer’s bottom line! Reduced employee turnover rates and lower health care costs are just two benefits. Working together, employees and employers are often able to find solutions that work well for everyone. Check out these short YouTube videos from the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition with ideas for Employers and Employees.
State and federal laws protect a parent's right to express milk at work during breaks in a clean, private place that is not a restroom. Our partners at the CBC can help you to ensure that your worksite is compliant with these laws, and in the process your worksite can achieve state-wide recognition as a Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite! The application is online and easier than you may think. Contact the CBC if you have any questions, [email protected], 203-699-MILK (6455).
Congratulations to these new Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite designees
Hartford Public Library
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
Vintech Management Services
Waterbury Health
Resources and Research
Two Part Journal Series Focuses on Black/African American Breastfeeding
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recently released the second in a two-part special issue series titled Breastfeeding and the Black/African American Experience: Cultural, Sociological, and Health Dimensions Through an Equity Lens in the society’s Breastfeeding Medicine journal. (Issue 1 was released in February) Both issues are freely available on the Breastfeeding Medicine journal website. The breadth and depth of the articles in each issue underscore the varied experiences of breastfeeding people in the US and a multitude of creative and effective strategies to protect, promote and support breastfeeding among Black/African American families. The links below take you to the journal website to view all of the articles.
Breastfeeding Medicine Volume 16, Issue 2, February 2021
Breastfeeding Medicine Volume 16, Issue 6, June 2021
CERPs & CEUs Resource List
The CBC has compiled a list of free and low-cost continuing education opportunities for lactation professionals. These webinars and courses are available on-demand and can be completed online in the comfort of your home or office. A variety of community and clinical topics are available. Click here to download the pdf.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recently released the second in a two-part special issue series titled Breastfeeding and the Black/African American Experience: Cultural, Sociological, and Health Dimensions Through an Equity Lens in the society’s Breastfeeding Medicine journal. (Issue 1 was released in February) Both issues are freely available on the Breastfeeding Medicine journal website. The breadth and depth of the articles in each issue underscore the varied experiences of breastfeeding people in the US and a multitude of creative and effective strategies to protect, promote and support breastfeeding among Black/African American families. The links below take you to the journal website to view all of the articles.
Breastfeeding Medicine Volume 16, Issue 2, February 2021
Breastfeeding Medicine Volume 16, Issue 6, June 2021
CERPs & CEUs Resource List
The CBC has compiled a list of free and low-cost continuing education opportunities for lactation professionals. These webinars and courses are available on-demand and can be completed online in the comfort of your home or office. A variety of community and clinical topics are available. Click here to download the pdf.
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The Connecticut State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in this eBulletin do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CDC or imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Learn more about the State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program at https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/.