Special Project of Regional and National Significance to Promote and SupportBreastfeeding in West Virginia, Especially Among Low-Income Women

摘要

The purpose of the Breastfeeding Implementation Incentive, MCHIP Grant was toinitiate breastfeeding promotion and support and to increase breastfeeding rates in West Virginia, especially among low-income women. This was needed because West Virginia's rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration were far below the national average. There were four goal components: Increase public information and awareness of the benefits of breastfeedings; Develop breastfeeding support policy within prenatal health programs; Provide breastfeeding education opportunities for health professionals; Encourage and improve hospital-based breastfeeding promotion and support. Project activities included the use of media, collaboration with the WIC Program, development of educational materials for use in public health programs, educational seminars/presentations for health professionals, and training for hospital staffs. Many changes in hospital practices and level of health professional knowledge resulted from grant activities, as well as public awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding.