1. Breastfeeding: A community Health initiative
Paulina Erices, BS, IBCLC, RLC

2. Objectives After this session participants will be able to:
Identify breastfeeding health benefits for mother, child, and society.
Understand breastfeeding basics.
Recognize situations that should be referred to a breastfeeding specialist.
Understand the challenges of breastfeeding in special situations.

4. American academy of pediatrics
“The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition through the first year of life.”
“We recommend exclusively breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby's life, and then gradually adding solid foods while continuing breastfeeding until at least the baby's first birthday. Thereafter, breastfeeding can be continued for as long as both mother and baby desire it.” (

5. World Health organization
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
“Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.” (

6. Colorado Statistics Initiation rates: 88.6
Breastfeeding at 3 months: 66.2
Breastfeeding at 6 months: 40.6
Exclusive Breastfeeding at 3 months: 57.3
Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 months: 26.4

7. Breastfeeding Friendly Environments
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
9 designated CBFHC
14 more working on it
Breastfeeding Laws
Workplace Accommodations for nursing mothers
Jury Duty laws
Breastfeeding in public laws
Breastfeeding friendly childcare recognitions

8. Breastfeeding is a “gateway solution”
Feeding is the most stressful aspect of parenting
Once established-easier lifestyle
Feeding leads to attachment and bonding opportunities
Infant and maternal mental health
Maternal hormonal regulation
Infant illness prevention
SIDs prevention
Benefits are cumulative
Financial benefit

9. What can you do?

10. Breastfeeding basics Colostrum and mature milk When the milk comes in
Composition changes
Diet and fluid intake
Illness
Medications and herbs
Side effects in mothers
Normal developmental periods
Safe sleep
Establishment of routines?
Breastfeeding experts info
IBCLC- CLC- LLL- BFUSA

11. Breastfeeding First Aid guide
Risk factors
Prematurity or multiples
Cesarean birth or long difficult birth
Mom has a history of abuse
Maternal mental illness
Substance abuse
Mood disorders
Infant medical conditions
Lack of support at home
Inconsistent healthcare-
lack of medical home

12. Red Flags MOM: shows signs of anxiety or depression
Mom cannot sleep even when baby is sleeping
complains of breast or nipple pain
complains of not making enough milk
uses a nipple shield or pumps exclusively
has no support at home
BABY
is sleepy and is hard to wake up to feed
has less than 6-8 wet, 3-4 soiled diapers a day
doesn’t gain weight
Babies gain between 5-7 oz a week in the first 3 months

13. Premature and medically fragile infants
Parental role attainment
Transition NICU-Home
Maternal wellbeing and social/family support
What you NEED to know:
Adjusted/corrected age
Asynchrony development/milestones
High risk of maternal and paternal mental illness
Information and support for siblings and grandparents
Coordination of care is needed
Referral to HCP for children and youth with special health care needs.

14. Konnect mom Mother support Involve a specialist Long-term impact
Action steps
Mother support
Validate mothers feelings
Involve a specialist
Contact an IBCLC –
NFP- Prenatal Plus - WIC
Long-term impact
Feeding as development
Celebrate small steps
Konnect mom
Find a peer-support group

15. Organizations in the community
Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition – Advocacy
La Leche League Groups – Free, peer support
Breastfeeding USA Groups- Free, peer support
Bada…. Breastfeeders (Facebook groups) – Free, moderated online peer support group)
WIC (for eligible families)
Home visitation programs through the Health Department (for eligible families)
Special Kids, Special Care (for families with medically fragile or premature infants)
Rooting for Mom – Insurance pre-approval for IBCLC services
Mothers Milk Bank – Human Milk Bank

16. Conclusion
Breastfeeding is important for infant development and families' wellbeing.
Breastfeeding presents challenges. Connecting families with the resources, information, and support is essential for their success.
Breastfeeding promotion and support is a community health initiative.
Everybody can do something to support families with young children, so they can reach their own breastfeeding goals.

17. Paulina Erices, BS, IBCLC, RLC
Contact Information
Paulina Erices, BS, IBCLC, RLC
HCP for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
Jefferson County Public Health Department

18. References American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org
World Health Organization
La Leche League International
Breastfeeding USA
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Special Kids Special Care specialcare.org
International Lactation Consultants Association