A Road Map for Change: Ensuring That Women Have Breastfeeding Support

Abstract

Despite new policy changes and national dialogue about breastfeeding, significant barriers in all sectors of society continue to exist for most women who decide to breastfeed. Breastfeeding rates fall short of current medical recommendations and our nation's own public health goals, resulting in significant health and economic impacts. The launch of The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for a society-wide approach in removing barriers that make it difficult for many women to succeed. Childbirth educators are urged to use these action steps as a springboard to influence lasting change so that all women have the opportunity to breastfeed their children.

Breastfeeding the Infant With Cleft Lip and Palate

“…The Surgeon General's Call to Action for the Support of Breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) report card, the Joint Commission's Perinatal Core Measures, the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Baby Friendly designation have increased awareness of the importance for evidenced-based practices to support and protect breastfeeding. 3,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In January 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary supported the Surgeon General's A Call to Action for the Support of Breastfeeding. 6,11 The Call to Action covers the importance of breastfeeding support and the health benefits to both mother and infant.…”

“…26 A dietitian and an international boardcertified lactation consultant (IBCLC) are important members of the professional team to monitor the nutritional status and feeding problems. 6 Early intervention has been noted to decrease incidence of feeding difficulties. 6,26 When helping the mother feed an infant with CL only, the breast may be soft enough to make a seal.…”

“…6 Early intervention has been noted to decrease incidence of feeding difficulties. 6,26 When helping the mother feed an infant with CL only, the breast may be soft enough to make a seal. As the infant latches, the soft breast tissue closes off the cleft causing a seal.…”

“…A team approach to counseling families of the importance of breast milk and breastfeeding will provide education and support to families. 6 When feeding the infant with both CL and CP, the infant should be in the upright or sitting position. 18 The use of the football or modified hold while breastfeeding allows the infant to be upright or sitting.…”

“…2 The team needs to realize the importance of taking each situation on a case-by-case basis and support the family where they are within each stage. [3][4][5][6][7] Infants born with CL or CP will benefit from breastfeeding and close nurturing.…”