Breast/chest feeding is a biological, emotional, and social process. There is an undeniable link between human
milk and behaviors associated with feeding. Breast or chest feeding provide the perfect environment for babies’
development, such as bonding, attachment, mutual regulation, security, etc. But what happens when parents
can’t access effective, culturally competent, compassionate lactation services? What happens when over
generations lactation support has been lacking?
Every parent deserves the chance to meet their feeding goals and enjoy the short and long term benefits of
human milk feeding. Social inequities augment the effects of not experiencing those benefits making it even
harder for parents and babies to have their physical, emotional and social needs met. Outcomes of lactation
impact the dyad, the family, the community beyond the nutritional needs of the infant.
Advocacy efforts at local, regional and national levels create meaningful opportunities for health equity, so
those with no power or resources can reach optimal health. Lactation consultants are in a unique position to
advocate and partner with others to support policies and programs that focus on equity as a systems approach
to benefit marginalized communities and impact their physical and mental health in the long-term.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1: Define health equity, diversity, inclusion, disparities, and system levels interventions;
Objective 2: Describe the role of lactation health and social development for the family;
Objective 3: Identify potential partnerships and opportunities for equity advancements in the lactation field.
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