Examining State Innovations to Advance Breastfeeding and Health Equity
November 16, 2021
Breastfeeding is considered the gold standard in postnatal care for both birthing persons and infants. Yet, despite national gains in breastfeeding initiation rates, racial disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration rates continue to persist. Evidence suggests that a single intervention cannot sufficiently address the multiple breastfeeding barriers faced by breastfeeding families. Effective intervention strategies require a multi-level approach that includes comprehensive legal, policy, and programmatic efforts. This report examines programmatic and legislative successes and challenges among the nine ASTHO breastfeeding learning community innovation states and provides recommendations to promote healthy breastfeeding and reduce breastfeeding disparities.